There was a girl called Manda Lee
Who binged-watched far too much TV.
Especially those series where
Contestants all had sculptured hair
And rippling muscles, teeth like pearls –
That was the boys, also the girls.
How Manda wished that she could be
Like these, a famed celebrity.

A ‘Princess hunt’ throughout the land
Was what some TV bosses planned
To publicise their latest show
About a princess and her beau.
When Manda heard she gave a shout
‘I must impress the talent scout!
But every princess I have seen
Has yellow hair and is quite lean.

‘My hair is black. I’m overweight.
I’ll get to work and change my fate!’
She poured peroxide on her hair
And planned her meals with extra care.
Then joined her dad, who for a lark,
Ran twice a day around the park.
When TV cameras reached the town
Her weight was less, her hair pale brown.

Manda pouted at the lens
As if they were the best of friends.
To no avail – she was rejected!
After some time feeling wretched
TV fame lost its appeal.
She looked around for something real.
Remembered how much fun she’d had
Exercising with her dad.

Began to train, picked up her paces
Started winning sprints and races.
Manda found her ever after
Sharing chats and laps and laughter.

She never watched the Princess show.
Her hair grew black. She let it grow.

Image from Pixabay