The Frog, or the Princess, or the King, or poor Iron Henry? by James Ashcroft

              The readings we have been assigned combined with multiple readings of versions of the Frog King, have worked together to set my sometimes wandering mind, well, wandering.  Ever wonder why the words 'wandering and wondering are the same except for the 'o'?  I used to.  Now I'm definitely wandering, or am I wondering.  Perhaps the answer to that question is yes! 

            The question that set my mind wandering was triggered when I was driving home from work.  I was thinking about the players in the folktale The Frog King, and listening to a play list put together by my son.  Roger Daltrey started asking 'Who are you?', which begged the question: Which character's role do you consider most resembles your story?

            Am I the Princess?  A bit spoiled and selfish, but wanting most to please my father?  Well, yes.  I have not lived a life of privilege, nor have I wanted for much.  And not only does the memory of my father influence my decision-making, but also my responsibility to my creator.

            Am I the King?  A proper Gent who considers honesty and integrity to be of utmost importance?  Well, yes.  As a father I want my kids to have those characteristics, and have oft times forced them to learn the lessons associated with them.

            Am I Iron Henry?  Having my heart enclosed in iron bars until the time where my friend, sovereign, and truest love is transformed back to himself? Well, yes.  I am deeply devoted to certain people in my life, and it pains my heart me to see them suffer when I am incapable of helping them. 

            Am I the Frog? Trapped in a situation I never wanted, hoping to happen onto the right circumstances which will allow me to be true to myself?  Well, don't we all feel that way sometimes?

            Or maybe, just maybe I am the enchanter that stuck the king in a frog in the first place.

3 responses to “The Frog, or the Princess, or the King, or poor Iron Henry? by James Ashcroft”

  1. crystal Avatar
    crystal

    What can be pulled from a fairytale never ceases to amaze me. You’ve inspired me to put myself into all the characters of the story I am working on, and see what I can see, both about myself and about the world around me. Thanks.

  2. Marian Giannatti Avatar
    Marian Giannatti

    Well said, James! Keep your mind wondering and wandering . . . for you take us with you when you tell a story.

  3. Phyllis Avatar
    Phyllis

    You are definitely the enchanter Mr. Ashcroft, if ever there was one.

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