I am Little Red Riding Hood.

I am a fairy tale girl,

a keeper of the dreams,

the origin of the lies.

I am more broken than

you could ever imagine, Grandma.

.

I am Little Red Riding Hood

and I walked into the forest

with open arms.

My cloak was silk,

the most beautiful shade of crimson

you'd ever seen in your life.

Oh, Grandma,

it would have taken your breath away.

.

I am Little Red Riding Hood

but you would never have guessed.

Would you, Grandma?

That when the wolf approached me,

his eyes like orbs of black fire

and the danger floating over his skin

like incense,

I didn't run away.

I smiled

and I said

wouldn't you like to come in?

.

I am Little Red Riding Hood

and let me tell you Grandma,

that wolf is one hell of a kisser.

His lips tasted like smoke

and his teeth sliced me raw.

He held me so tightly

breaking my shining white bones

as he did.

We spent the night on the forest floor.

And long after he was done with me,

he stayed with me as

my blood painted the ground.

Do you know,

he even touched his mouth to mine

and swallowed my last breath?

He's quite a gentleman,

my big bad wolf.

.

I am Little Red Riding Hood,

pure and innocent and golden

in my scarlet cloak.

I am Little Red Riding Hood,

but I am no fairy tale girl.

I am Little Red Riding Hood,

and my desire for my dearest wolf

has become my grave.