HaBitza

Prince Charming and Prince Froug were hanging out in the swamp one day.  They were actually quite good friends, although the difference in height made conversation a little complicated.

“Met any princesses lately?” asked Prince Charming, wistfully.  He lived in a castle in Ramot, and no princesses ever came to visit.

“Oh, this place is hopping with them!” answered Prince Froug, enthusiastically.  ”Look, there goes Princess Snow White!  Hey,” yelled Prince Froug, “Princess Snow!  Why don’t you come and meet my friend Prince Charming!”

“Sorry, can’t stop!” trilled the Princess, “I’m on my way to the Swamp Singles Social!”  By the way, it’s a little known fact that Snow White actually had a lisp, so it came out as the Thwamp Thingles Thocial.  But Prince Froug understood what she meant.

“See you later!” he called out.  Just then, he spotted Princess Sleeping Beauty.  ”Hey, Princess Beauty, you’re looking wide awake today!” he called.  ”Come over and meet my friend Prince Charming!  You’ll love him!”

“Can’t stop,” yawned the Princess, “I’m on my way to the Swamp Speed-Dating Special.  It’s just right for me.  I only need to stay awake for 10 minutes at a time…”  and she moved off rather unsteadily.

Prince Charming was starting to feel unwanted, unloved, and as if he wanted to get as far away from this swamp as possible.  So many Princesses, but they were behaving as if he didn’t exist.

“Cheer up,” said the ever-optimistic Prince Froug.  ”There goes Princess Cinderella – let’s call her over.  Hey, Cindy!” he called out over the swamp puddles.  ”Come on over here, let me introduce you to my great friend Prince Charming!  He’s visiting from his castle in Ramot!”

“I’m so sorry, Frougy” answered the princess, in sweet, dulcet tones.  ”I have to go home and dig out my designer rags, I’m going on the Swamp Singles Overnight Hike tonight…”

Prince Charming’s face fell.  (Always found that a strange expression, how can a face fall?  and who gets to pick it up?  yuk).  He left in a cloud of misery, muttering “all these Princesses want is to party, they’re just not serious.”

So if you’re ever wondering why you never seem to meet Prince Charming in the “bitza”, ponder on this fable and wonder “what on earth did she mean by that?”.  In the meantime, I’ll be trying to figure out the same thing…