Bad Dorothy

Her purpose was clear --

the murder of three.

So simple a task

but it gave her such glee.

First the man of straw

that she lit aflame.

Then the tin man's heart

she crushed without shame.

The third one to fall,

the lion so strong,

who instantly succumbed

to the girl oh so wrong.

Dorothy had her fun

and played her game.

In her wake was such wreckage

there was nothing left to maim.

They sought to conquer

but she sought to kill.

They wanted sweet candy

and, alas, chewed a bitter pill.

(photo credit)
https://pixabay.com/en/heel-foot-stocking-dark-nero-1943391/

In the Shadows

Some seem born on an ecliptic path,

Shining bright and riding strong.

Their lives are clean, happy, not-a-mess,

Surrounded by a supportive throng.

But in the shadows is where I be,

Not to be burned by their awesome light.

Have I any right to complain

When Destiny chose me for this plight?

Abandoned by those who shouldn't

And loved by very few.

Unknown, forgotten, a throw-away.

Nothing great am I due.

Everything is a struggle.

Tough as nails to stay upright.

The sun-soaked gods don't understand

That life is a gift for which you must fight.

They speak of things superficial.

Their woes are baby-skin deep.

How far away from me they seem

When into their lives I get a peep.

I feel deeply because I've hurt.

I care because I know

What it's like to crouch in the shadows,

Seeing the celestial beings from below.

I can't expect them to understand.

A foreign language I speak.

They "Oorah!" and chest bump strong

But I see the strength of the meek.

So while they rest comfortably in the world,

To it an alien I will always be.

While they are blinded by their own light,

The shadows, the shadows have taught me to see.

(photo credit)

https://pixabay.com/en/boy-silhouette-young-child-person-2205733/