My feathers are roughblack and coarse
What do you expect,
from an ugly duckling?
I'm still learning
the steps of our ballad
how to gracefully
dodge the bullets
and float over bumps.
I know the clock is ticking
but perfection takes practice
and who would even dream
of watching a swan with no poise?
Let me take my time,
let me tumble and fall
so that I may stand,
wash my feathers and flock
so that it may be white.
And soon you'll see
this ugly duckling
shall finally dance gracefully
turning into a glacial perfection
of ephemeral beauty,
A glorious Swan.
- Illustrations by Marta Nael (check out her other amazing work here)
