In the poem, “Hazel Tells Laverne,” Kaythryn Machan conveys the theme that fear can ruin opportunities. Initially, a frog surprises a woman by asking her to kiss him, “but sohelpmegod he starts talkin / bout how i can be a princess / me a princess,” (12-15). Machan alludes to the “Princess and the Frog,” a story by the Brothers Grimm which sets up the story line for the audience with expectations for said frog to turn into a handsome prince, but only if the woman kisses him. Furthermore, in awe by the talking amphibian the woman says, “well my mouth drops / all the way to the floor,” (16-17). The utilization of a hyperbole illustrates the shock she must feel by the out of ordinary events. In a turn of events, the woman loses it after the frog
