alchemist

                   (from my Snow White poems)

alchemist

he had never designed
a poison comb,
but knew
the tincture
would be easy.

newt blood for texture-
mercury for effect.
and mushrooms.
the kingdom was full of them.

once completed
it was all
in the presentation.
vanity would hold it
in place.

"what color is the girl's hair?"
he asked.

"black," the queen said,
the word widening
her eyes.