Goldilocks the Trespasser

deep in the woods where shadows creep,
where secrets lurk and willows weep,
a girl in rags with locks of gold
walked paths where none but ghosts grew old.

a house she found--quaint, warm, and neat,
with honeyed air and scents so sweet,
but locked doors made her fingers twitch--
what’s theft to those who dare be rich?

inside she stepped, no fear, no shame,
no knock, no word, no rightful claim,
she stole their food, she broke their chairs,
her laughter danced on midnight air.

"too hot, too cold--oh, this will do!"
"too hard, too soft--I'll take from you!"
"this bed is mine, I'll rest my head--"
"what fools to leave their home unsaid!"

but as she slept in stolen rest,
a heavy step, a growling chest--
the owners came, with fangs and claws,
with sharpened teeth and sharpened laws.

"A thief! A rat! A filthy pest!"
"She dares to steal, to break, to rest?!"
"No mercy here! No tale rewrites--"
"A meal she’ll make on this dark night."

three pairs of claws, three snarling throats,
no prince to save, no fairy's notes--
just echoes left, a lesson grim,
on what befalls the ones who sin.

and in the woods, the whispers say,
beware the thief who dares betray--
for locks of gold may shine so bright,
but stolen things bring no delight.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Bordner Avatar
May 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
This odd poem make think of the banking system. None dare, or are able to live, and love without the weight of private money made might...J.A.B.
Leach Avatar
May 11, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Now that is a brilliant connection I hadn’t considered--but I love it, Justin. The idea of Goldilocks as a symbol for unchecked entitlement or systemic imbalance? Deliciously subversive. Thank you for reading it through such an insightful and unexpected lens!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace