Natasha L Scragg Poet Narrative

A Conversation With the Ugly Duckling

" Hello dear duckling!
  I know it's been a while.
  Every time I hear your story
  I cannot help but beam a smile. "

" Hi! How are you? Yes, my story travels on
  Like a bird in migration...You do realise I'm a swan? "

" Ha ha ha! Of course I do! I call you  'duckling'  with affection.
  Your story comforts many, who with it feel a deep connection. "

" Wow! Really? I somehow got separated
  From my family years ago.
  My new brood called me  'The Ugly Duckling'
  For what I was, they did not know.
  So for a time I felt quite lonely
  Sometimes afraid, always dejected.
  For however hard I tried,
  I did not fit in and was rejected. "

" But one day, you had a twist of fate!
  You found the place where you belong.
  Your radiance, your beauty praised...."

" I wasn't ugly all along! "

" So what message would you give
  To those who feel misplaced,
  Whose difference makes them victims
  Of bullying, of disgrace? "

" I'd say that their normality
  Lies in how they feel.
  Their vulnerability misconceived as weak 
  Is the very thing that makes them real!
  So if you face  'The Ugly Duckling'  phase,
  Please remember, it won't last.
  One day you'll be valued and
  This will be part of your past. "

" Thank you for your wisdom
  You precious, famous swan.
  You've not allowed bad beginnings to embitter you.
  This is a moral that lives on.
  Many more will benefit
  From the inspiration you supply.
  May they think of your example.
  May they hold their heads high. "

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Marikate Kingston June 2, 2023 at 7:39 PM Natasha, what a kind poem with such a sensitive supportive message. A clever way to teach such an important moral lesson. I love swans they are beautiful and mate for life. I found this to be a lovely and important poem. Natasha L Scragg June 5, 2023 at 9:26 AM Yes, I love the message behind the story of the ugly duckling. Such an impactful message for any who have ever been victims of bullying or who struggle with feelings of low self worth. I love swans too. So graceful, :-)

Anne E Sangster - K March 5, 2022 at 3:09 PM Hi Natasha, I really enjoyed your conversation with the ugly duckling and the wonderful message it conveys. Thank you so much for my placement in your first category. This was a new type of poetry for me and fun to write. Got me inspired for sure :-D Cheers Anne :-) Natasha L Scragg March 7, 2022 at 5:47 AM Awe thank you Anne, for entering and for your encouraging message. It was a fun challenge. I set myself a challenge from time to time and if I enjoy it lots, I think others may too. So pleased you felt inspired by this!! It's so uplifting to hear such positive feedback. Thank you :-D Many warm wishes. Natasha <3

Eve Roper February 26, 2022 at 3:55 PM Awesome example for the contest, Natasha. Thank you Natasha L Scragg March 7, 2022 at 5:45 AM Thanks Eve :-D

Meghan Hutchings February 13, 2022 at 12:13 PM This is awesome! I love how the dialogue teaches a moral or lesson. Their dialogue is lighthearted and playful, yet educational at the same time! Beautiful Job! Much love...Meghan Natasha L Scragg February 14, 2022 at 6:03 AM Wow thank you Meghan .. such encouraging words. I love the story of the ugly duckling. Hans was very clever in the way his stories taught morals. I really enjoyed creating this one. I'm sure most of us have (at times) felt like the ugly duckling. Xx so pleased you enjoyed it. Many warm wishes :-D

Beata Agustin January 30, 2022 at 5:35 AM Thanks for sharing this along with the wisdom exposed through the dialogue ... exemplifying what your contest requires. God bless you. Natasha L Scragg January 30, 2022 at 6:31 AM Thank You Beata. Love this story and thought a poem about it would be nice to do :-D

Deb M January 29, 2022 at 4:27 PM How very clever you are Natasha.!A beautiful poem with a powerful message written in a very delightful way! Lovely. Debx Natasha L Scragg January 30, 2022 at 2:58 AM Thank you Deb. :-D the story of the ugly duckling is a true inspiration. Hans Christian Andersen was very clever in the illustrative way he taught morals. :-D

Constance La France January 29, 2022 at 4:18 PM Natasha, excellent in every way possible, I think it is quite wonderful and is a great inspiration for your new contest, it is a big challenge but I want to try to write a poem worthy ~ Natasha L Scragg January 30, 2022 at 2:55 AM Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I look forward very much to seeing what different ones people come up with. I know yours will be great. :-D Thank You.