2.5.09

Spring chicken..


....Then he felt quite ashamed, and hid his head under his wing; for he did not know what to do, he was so happy, and yet not at all proud. He had been persecuted and despised for his ugliness, and now he heard them say he was the most beautiful of all the birds. Even the elder-tree bent down its bows into the water before him, and the sun shone warm and bright. He would never became vain or conceited, and would always remembered how it felt to be despised and teased, and he was very sorry for all the creatures who are so treated merely because they are different from those around them. Then he rustled his feathers, curved his slender neck, and cried joyfully, from the depths of his heart, “I never dreamed of such happiness as this, while I was an ugly duckling.” |

-Hans Christian Andersen, The Ugly Duckling, 1844

5 comments:

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

This story always touches me. I wish we could all see the inner beauty rather than the outer shell; we put so much emphasis on the cover of the book rather than savor the contents of the heart! What a sweet picture of the little fellow! Have a beautiful day sweet Dutchess! Anita

A Bit of the Blarney said...

I do so love this tale. It's one that always gives hope. At least I thought there was hope for me. Have a grand day! Cathy

Iriz said...

There's a deep sense in this story that one must pick. We really have to know which one is more precious and it is something beyond what the eyes can see.

nice post and image!
great day THE DUTCHESS!

HAWTHORN HALL said...

This story has such important messages and I want to read it my sons now that you have reminded me of it. The illustration is beautiful!

Gillian

Anonymous said...

I always enjoy your choice of words and images, Dutchess. Thank you for a smile today!
~Titmoss