Nutcrackers Last Waltz

Upon a high, cobwebbed bookcase there lay a forlorn nutcracker who once adorned a cheery face but amiss now shiny lacquer. A coat of green he loved to preen now musty, fading, lacking gleam. Afore, stood proud on duty to ward off bad spirits from his home as folklore stories told, he knew, to keep sentry against a tome. To watch over those that dwelt there and guard a young girl in his care. Many adventures they would share through years of magical play and fun - castle, a prince and dragons lair, a fairy with sugar plum hair. Around they would waltz with such glee until moon set its shadows free. With each strike of grandfather clock in a pirouette, years danced away. Dust now covered the once loved frock as nutcracker peered down to pray. He wished just one more time to dance with his friend if only by perchance. Upon one snowy winter’s eve an overture played with candles lit and in magical disbelief another fairytale could be writ. For nutcracker’s prayer indeed heard as a miracle thus occurred. Around he waltzed in sheer delight with his lady friend full of grace. Her dress in flight like a bright kite she held him against her rosy face. No longer forlorn and filled with glee more adventures ahead he could see …