The Ugly Duckling

Assignment:
Rewrite a fairy tale into a poem.

Response:
-The Ugly Duckling-
Why must I be so different from the others?
Outcast, Shamed and Insulted
Fearing what life might bring with its next day
Disappointment, strange looks and degradation
Hiding myself more and more each day to adapt
Can't let the outside world see the real me
Now things have changed
I know myself now
Is it safe to come out to the world?
Will the torment from my past cease?
I know myself
I know I am a beautiful person