A tale of an ugly duckling

Left behind to ponder fate
alone
afraid
I am discarded
my feathers are not preened
or pretty
or primped
as the others
Mother said
time
patience
but—
I will flourish
find my way
unguided
unloved
forgotten
you will see—
feathers preened
white
plumes
graceful
I am
I have arrived
Mother dearest
see me now
no longer
the ugly one
a Cinderella
right
before your eyes
an ugly duckling
no longer
but a princess in the lake