I was born with a not so pretty face
and skin quite dark,
The fair and lovely girls around were
by a contrast stark.
I felt let down by  the Almighty,
he could’ve given me an iota of beauty,
desolate and miserable,
I wandered like a lonely lark.

I watched daffodils by the lake,
I saw an ugly duckling turn  into
a graceful swan,
The sight triggered a wonderful  plan,
I, too, can make a mark.

I moved on feeling happier
in the valley full of flowers,
I saw nature in it’s creation,
Buds blooming and chrysalis
in adventurous commotion –
transform into a butterfly,
My life felt a great spark.

Beauty is inside my core,
Like musk the antelope bore,
I saw the dawn, I saw the light ,
It was crystal clear and pure delight.
It opened a new door :
The realization dawned  upon  me
I, too, am beautiful and winsome
like many more pretty and handsome.

People who are keen,
vie for the plum prize
But with my spiritual sheen,
Beyond all doubt
I am a beauty queen.

                                           ~Sudha Dixit

                                                  Bangalore, India

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