With his head full of brains, the Scarecrow decided to compose sonnets for and about the two best friends: Dorothy Gale and Princess Ozma of Oz. He stood up as straight as he could and spoke to the assembled Court of Ozma, Princess and Queen of Oz. In his hand was a scroll he unrolled to read from. “My dear friends, here are four sonnets celebrating the history of the best friends Oz has ever known: Dorothy and Ozma Meet When Dorothy met Ozma, both felt love The love one feels when friends are ever true True friends can be like rainbows up above In Emerald City love can be true-blue The two that met as friends became much more The two we know and feel their friendship true Like diamonds sparkle, love begets rapport The trust these two embraced was fresh and new It’s always new each time we come to trust To trust the truth of friendship, love’s embrace It’s like some kind of magic fairy dust At times it brings a smile to your face They smiled with joy at magic love they found Together Oz would be their common ground. Ozma and Dorothy Rule When Ozma ruled in Oz and Dorothy came She came to see her friend, the goodly queen The princess ruled, yes Ozma was her name Their friendship was the best you’ve ever seen So good that Ozma gave her friend the throne When she had things to do in fairyland She went to see Queen Lurline who was known As one in Oz who was both good and grand And so by trust they ruled in Oz as one If “ruled” is what you call togetherness They knew their work in Oz was never done Together “no” was no and “yes” was yes Their friendship grew through ruling all with care And friendship’s love was present everywhere. Dorothy and Ozma Part When Dorothy and Ozma had to part They hoped their love forever strong would dwell When love is found in any loving heart The strength of love is something we should tell We tell it like a story, strong and dear (Two dear ones I’ve composed these poems for) Their story bears their love both far and near Historically there’s love and so much more What’s more than love you say? Well I’ll reply There’s Dorothy and Ozma, like a song A song that sweeps you up into the sky As if it knows where love and you belong The princess and her friend will always be A monument to love’s sweet history. Ozma and Dorothy Kiss When Ozma wanted Dorothy to stay She leaned in close and gifted her a kiss Tornados twist and take us far away But oftentimes tornados lead to this The love of friends too true to leave behind Waits time and time again for sweet return Though never lost it may be hard to find A lesson Dorothy Gale was quick to learn She fell in love with Ozma here in Oz And Princess Ozma fell in love with her They felt their kindred love would never pause They kissed goodbye with love and friendship pure The land of Oz will always draw you home And kiss you when you feel the need to roam.” Princess Ozma had a tear of happiness in her eye as she addressed the Scarecrow poet while handing him a golden pen that appeared in her hand. “For composing such beautiful poetry, I hereby appoint you to replace Sir Dashemoff Daily as the official Poet Laureate of Oz.”
Scarecrow Image by W. W. Denslow, 1900
Dorothy and Ozma Image by John Rea Neill, 1907