Ugly Duckling

By Kieran

 Beauty that isn't evident at first


Original artwork and pensive poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, inspired by the children's tale of the ugly duckling.


Oh how I cringe each time I hear it being callously being said
Someone has a face that only a mother can love. All I see is red

Just because someone is different doesn't mean they are inferior
Remember the beauty we first see is only skin deep, the exterior!

And that kind of beauty doesn't translate to being a good person
The kind who sees from the heart to be with you when things worsen

You feel the presence of that true friend across time and space.
If you find such a person then you've found a true font of grace!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Unfortunately fairy tales and folklore emphasize that anyone beautiful is good, anyone ugly is a bad person.

My daughter said one of the nurses in her clinic is not nice looking but is a very good person.
Grown up patients don't want to make eye contact with her bcuz they are scared of her.
They visibly cringe when she comes to them

Very very sad 😕 (Comment on Signal from a dear friend on the East Coast)
February 10, 2026 at 8:43 AM
Kieran said…
This is just heartbreaking, Ulka. The myth of the handsome prince and the beautiful princess has poisoned our thinking - in a perverse way Shrek the movie, made fun of the archetypal 'lived happily story by presenting flawed characters. We have a long way to go to accept people for their true value not just their looks - Kieran
February 10, 2026 at 8:46 AM
Kieran said…
Ulka, here’s a feel good true story

https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/11/europe/north-macedonia-bullied-girl-president-intl-scli
- Kieran
February 10, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Anonymous said…
Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world no matter what you look like. (WhatsApp comment from a very dear schoolfriend)
February 10, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Kieran said…
Perfectly matches my artwork. Thanks, Hillary - Kieran
February 10, 2026 at 7:53 PM
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