The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling

Written by Justina Braun May 10, 2013

There was this girl,

She cared not for fame and pearls.

Life for her was kind of simple,

And when she smiled, out came a pair of dimples.

Old fashion is what they called her,

Yet how she handled it, I’m not sure.

She was often considered the ugly duckling,

And often looked upon as anything but darling.

Her growing up years must have been tough,

Because her friendships were always off.

Did she try to make friends?

Yes, but she was different and didn’t blend.

Low and behold, what a surprise,

No more ugly duckling, because she left at sunrise.

Classroom that day felt somewhat empty,

Question was, had they been a little too trendy?

Several years had passed,

And the news of ugly duckling returning was the broadcast.

Many questions were asked, one being if she planned to only stay the night?

Or if she would stay, which they all feared she might.

Sometime that week, the day is still unclear,

A visitor arrived, and everyone wanted to be near.

She captured the eyes of many, for her beauty was a sight,

And her clothes she wore were quite bright.

This women was so sweet and kind,

It didn’t take long to befriend many small hearts and minds.

They begged her to teach and to stay,

For she need not worry, her room and board would be paid.

She introduced herself as Sue,

And of her past only she knew.

The kids loved the stories she told,

They couldn’t hear enough, the stories never got old.

Meanwhile, everyone wondered if ugly duckling would never make her appearance.

Had they all been too busy with Sue to not notice her presence?

After a month or two,

Some started noticing Sue’s actions were the same as ugly duckling who they once knew.

Sue couldn’t hide any longer, and told them of her move.

She’d been the duckling that needed a change, so of her they would approve.

She told them that people change,

And that no matter the outward appearance, it was wrong to think them strange.

This small village remembered how they had caused Sue sorrow,

And the lesson learned would be remembered for all tomorrows.

To this day, acceptance is for all,

There is no one too different, fat, or too tall.