Hazel Tells Laverne

Hazel Tells Laverne by Katharyn Machan Aal

This poem first struct me as rather comical and lighthearted, but when I analyzed the deeper meaning of the poem, I found there was a somber meaning behind it.  Hazel, who is cleaning woman, recounts a story to her friend Laverne. The story resembles the tale The Princess and the Frog, only this time, our princess is rather reluctant to kiss the charming frog. Although Hazel had her chance to kiss the frog and become a princess, she was halted due to her self image and awareness. Hazel thought the idea of being a princess was absolutely ridiculous and unimaginable. Such a women of her position and lifestyle would never be able to rise above  what she already was and become something magnificent and lovely. It is clear that Hazel believes she is permanently stuck with her current life. No means of magic nor make believe could even change her concrete life. Therefore, this poem construes missed opportunity and the chances people miss out on due to their own self constructed limitations. This poem contains a motif with the phrase, "me a princess," (Aal). She says this as if the idea itself is completely out of the question and impossible.  The colloquialism used in the poem gives it a lot of character. The word usage and spelling used by the author adds to the on the surface comic part of the poem and gives readers a glimpse at Hazels personality.