Hansel and Gretel

With cries we woke the bear 
whose slumber was ancient, 
the bees whose frenzied paths 
were as methodical as a plowman’s. 
Between thickets we darted, 
our breath held like an amulet 
between our numbed hands.

We hungered, and our hungering 
made us bold. Made us descend 
to shivering depths, straining 
for boughs we knew better than to touch.

When the old woman’s voice called out, 
Children, children, come quick! 
I have prepared you a feast— 
we crept closer 
for want of a mother’s song, 
and for fear of being left alone.