*Oct 18 2025 | Cinderella by Roald Dahl

I’ve chosen a poem that retells the story of Cinderella by Roald Dahl, Cinderella has a tough lesson to learn.

This is written for a young audience but I think it appeals to all. It is a touch violent but has that Roald Dahl humour running through it.

Here’s the first of 8 verses:

=====================================
Cinderella by Roald Dahl
=====================================
I guess you think you know this story.
You don't. The real one's much more gory.
The phoney one, the one you know,
Was cooked up years and years ago,
And made to sound all soft and sappy
just to keep the children happy.
Mind you, they got the first bit right,
The bit where, in the dead of night,
The Ugly Sisters, jewels and all,
Departed for the Palace Ball,
While darling little Cinderella
Was locked up in a slimy cellar,
Where rats who wanted things to eat,
Began to nibble at her feet.
=====================================

The complete poem can be found here https://allpoetry.com/poem/8503199-Cinderella-by-Roald-Dahl* OR here https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/cinderella-by-roald-dahl

* In re-checking links, I just noticed allpoetry also includes an analysis of the poem, the other one doesn't.

I was trying to look for a poem that fitted the holidays and festive mood of the celebrations around the world that are coming up over the next few months. I was thinking something light and entertaining with a bit of chill; giving a nod to Halloween.

Cinderella is a well-known story with its many, many adaptations and I like what Roald Dahl does with his version.

It was a surprise to come across this as I did not know Roald Dahl wrote poetry, mind you, a few years back I discovered he also wrote short stories.

The first thing that stood out of his Cinderella was the rhythm, but what really stands out is how the poem redefines ‘prince charming’, and how this is worked into Cinderella’s own journey; what she wants at the beginning completely changes by the end. All this aside, it’s just a fun poem.

I didn't know Roald Dahl made poems-

I'll be back on Saturday to read and comment on this poem. I'm with louisisaloafofbreb, I had no idea Dahl wrote poetry. It should be fun. I'll be back!

I agree, this was a fun choice for near Halloween! I only know Dahl from his (sometimes controversial) children's books, so I'm surprised to see such a gory poem that uses language like 'slut'. Nice lesson there at the end — we may think we want the most attractive, most successful partner, but we would do better chasing a relationship with love and mutual respect.

The rhythm and metre of this one added to a casual, fun tone.

Best take on Cinderella I have heard. Thank you for sharing this one. I didn't know Dahl had any published poetry either!

>1 AnishaInkspill: Great fun and full of Dahl's signature wit and snarky eye.

>2 AnishaInkspill: Thank you Anisha. What a hoot! And not only is it a lot of fun, but I like the message of this "Cindy" story. I'll be going to see my two youngest granddaughters, ages 7 and 9, over Thanksgiving and just added this poem to my list of the things I want to share with them then. It will be great fun to read aloud.

❤️👠

>1 AnishaInkspill: I remember reading this in Dahl's Revolting Rhymes when I was a kid! Thanks for the blast from the past!

>5 GraceCollection: Dahl's using "slut" in the older meaning of a slovenly person. I came across the same use in a Barbara Pym novel not that long ago and it took me a moment to realize that the character was calling herself a poor housekeeper!

>9 amanda4242: Thanks for pointing us to where the poem originally was published. I could definitely dig more fairy tales redux.

>10 amanda4242: OH! Wonderful information! I had been just thinking about that word and how it might get me in trouble with the granddaughter's parents. I was trying to think of another word that rhymes with "nut" (I was considering "mutt") but maybe I could get pre-approval (ha,ha) with an explanation of that older definition, without the need to bowdlerize.

Wikipedia has an entry for the word.

Another early meaning was 'kitchen maid or drudge' (c. 1450), a meaning retained as late as the 18th century, when hard knots of dough found in bread were referred to as slut's pennies.

>10 amanda4242: Thank you for sharing this information! You learn something new every day.

>10 amanda4242: and >13 DebiCates: I hadn't realised, and how interesting. It always amazes me how words can go through a transition of different meanings.

Hi all, I also forgot to say on allpoetry.com there are more poems by Roald Dahl.

I assume in 1982 Dahl‘s use of “slut” is another example of his rakish humour. “Wait, why the shocked expressions?!” I imagine him asking, eyes wide in innocence. “It’s just a synonym for Cinder Ella that rhymes with nut, no?”

>17 elenchus: I imagine him asking, eyes wide in innocence. “It’s just a synonym for Cinder Ella that rhymes with nut, no?”

Ha, ha! Yes, I think are right.

>1 AnishaInkspill: Followed up for the complete poem and am chortling with enjoyment.

Really interesting poem from an unexpected author. It's always fun to come at a story from a different angle and this definitely does that!

Hi, I'm new here. This is my first post.
I loved this poem, found it deliciously subversive. So let's give up on honey and go for bitter-sweet marmelade instead

@Btodd3 Brandon, this poem is proof that poetry can be fun, right? I laughed out loud a couple of times myself reading it.

@noseinabook58 Thank you for your first post, Paul! I hadn't though of how marmalade is bitter-sweet. Your observation has made this poem even more perfect.