I got this idea from the historical versions of Mulan's legend, which are often in poem format. With that in mind, I retold some of the 1998 Disney movie "Mulan" (and a bit of "Mulan 2") as slam poetry.
Ascending to sunrise, the skies in pale gold
The arrow's in reach, and the triumph I'll hold
I slip, and I grip, so far above ground
Hoist myself up and throw the arrow down
Shooting and sparring, succeed without shame
My captain, he blushes when he calls out my name
But the mirror still taunts me with a broken reflection
What will it take to forget the rejection?
Fighting a war and surviving each day
My life marked with strife, still scarred from the fray
The world looks brighter but this isn't done
I'm a fighter, but what are the chances I've won?
They sing about girls and I feel pushed away
Don't pressure me, pals, do I swing that way?
I try to join in, my voice hard to find
But I have a brain, and say what's on my mind
The fun and games die when the winter turns red
The sky and snow stained: blood, fire, and dead
I try to comfort my captain, his hand meets my shoulder
Get back on the march, though the world seems colder.
Fighting a war and surviving each day
My life marked with strife, still scarred from the fray
The world looks brighter but this isn't done
I'm a fighter, but will the war ever be won?
Arrows fly down, fire streaking the sky
I grab the last cannon, and aim it up high
Avalanche crashing down, my move is checkmate
Start sprinting to safety, not ready for fate
I jump on my horse, grab my captain's tough hand
Separated by the snows, nowhere to stand
Then we're saved, love shines in my captain's deep eyes
Pain, bleeding, darkness - no chance for goodbye.
Fighting a war and surviving each day
My life marked with strife, still scarred from the fray
The world looks brighter but this isn't done
I'm a fighter, but what if the war isn't won?
I wake up, bandaged, my captain comes in
But the scowl on his face is clearly too grim
He draws the sword, my death seems near
Blade hits the snow, and they leave me in tears
There's no time for crying, for with my own eyes
From an icy white grave, I see enemies rise
I ride to the city and come up with a plan
Then they hail me a hero - I proved that I can.
Fighting a war and surviving each day
My life marked with strife, still scarred from the fray
The world looks brighter but this isn't done
I'm a fighter, and see that the war is won.
Time to go home, and face my family's heart
Can I bring honor back, and make a new start?
My father sits under the blossoming tree
I kneel and I bow, humble as I should be
But he drops the gifts, the sword and the crest
Comes down, and his words put my worries to rest
As we embrace, my eyes start to water
"The greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter."
Fighting a war and surviving each day
My life marked with strife, still scarred from the fray
The world looks brighter but this isn't done
I'm a fighter, can I say the battle is won?
I'm caught in the moment, but the flame of love burns
Against all the odds, my captain returns
He's awkward, so the invite is left up to me
Now he's staying for dinner, and where will this lead?
In time, my captain rises to a General's station
We go on an adventure and find new relation
Two heroes now married, we face no more harm
Then we cross our new threshold, true lovers in arms.
Fighting a war and surviving each day
My life marked with strife, still scarred from the fray
The world looks brighter but this isn't done
I'm a fighter, at long last, I know I have won.
