The Ugly Duckling: An American Tragedy
What kind of swans would leave their egg in a duck's nest?
Did they trade me for drugs? Was it some kind of prank?
The ugly duckling in the news:
A shocking scene of carnage this afternoon. Nearly one
hundred waterfowl injured and at least three dead when a
swan opened fire with a concealed automatic weapon in
Farmer MacGreggor's barnyard, then took his own life.
Witnesses reported the unidentified swan had been drinking
heavily for several hours prior to the shooting. MacGreggor,
vacationing with his family in Boca Raton, could not be
reached for comment.
The ugly duckling's intake assessment:
Patient presents as above-average looking swan,
appropriately oriented as to time and place, though somewhat
restricted in speech. Patient displays seven of nine symptoms
of borderline personality disorder; however, diagnosis pending
further assessment.
The ugly duckling's last poem:
Who is This—
This Swan who Taunts me,
This laughing Reflection mimicking and
Mocking my every Move?
Surrounded by Sycophants,
Lusting for my Pure, White Feathers.
What do they Know about the
Black Emptiness inside me?
I am an Enigma—
No Swan when I was a Duck,
No Duck now that I am a Swan.
Caught between two Worlds,
Stranger to all.
I see your Falseness—
Like the Light of God
I will Reveal you,
And you shall Join me in Hell.