Poetry Contest Entry

The Lonesome Elf

~By Zahra, Fairy Queen

Way, way back, in times long gone,
There lived a little elf.
He had no friends to speak of,
He kept mostly to himself.
This little elf, though lonely,
Was too scared to make a friend.
For his little ears forgot to point,
And curved around instead.
He thought the other elves would laugh,
To see such curvy ears.
So our friend, the Lonesome Elf,
Spent many nights in tears.
"Why can't I look like other elves?"
Our poor, wee friend bemoaned,
"I'm sure I could be popular,
And well loved," he groaned.
"Instead I have these stupid ears,
That do not look quite right.
I'm sure the others laugh at me,
And leave me out in spite."
As time went by, the friendless elf,
Grew bitter, mad, and sullen.
He did not try to make things right,
But found new gripes to dwell on.
"My feet are big, my eyes too small,
My hair a grotesque shade.
And I declare," the elf exclaimed,
"I'm shrinking every day!"
This went on for weeks and weeks,
Though he grumbled without a sound.
And as the sun rose new each day,
Another fault was found.
Now once or twice another elf,
Approached the little grump,
And invited him to play with them,
Behind a willow stump.
But the little elf, distrustfully,
Declined to go and play,
So the other elves stopped asking,
And kept well out of his way.
A younger elf, a boy called Pip,
Asked his older friends,
"Why won't that elf play with us,
He mopes, but to what end?"
"He's nothing but a stuck-up brat",
The largest elf replied,
"We've everyone approached him,
It's not as if we haven't tried."
"He's grouchy," said another elf,
"And thinks only of himself."
And with that they all flew off,
Except the Smallest Elf.
With timid steps, he steeled himself,
And addressed the Lonesome Elf.
"Excuse me, but the others left,
I'm here all by myself."
Before the older elf could speak.
And tell the pest to leave,
The Smallest Elf sat next to him,
And a sigh he heaved.
"It isn't fair, the others think
That just because I'm small,
I can't do some things properly,
And others, not at all!"
The Lonesome Elf said scornfully,
"Then why, pray, hang around?,
Why play with elves who hate you?"
And the Smallest Elfy frowned.
"Because they are my friends," he said,
"Even though they're sometimes mean,
I know they do not mean it,
And together we're a team."
"We do not always get along,
Occasionally we fight.
But if I'm in a bit of strife,
I know I'll be all right."
"How is that?" the grouch replied,
His voice held disbelief.
"Because we care, and love each other,
And help in times of grief."
"I do not think it likely,
For they're never kind to me,"
The Lonesome Elf said sadly.
Cried the other elf, "Don't you see!"
"The others try to let you join,
But you just turn away.
They think you do not like them,
And feel hurt that you won't play."
Surprised, the Lonesome Elf exclaimed,
"But they laugh at my odd ears!"
The Smallest Elf looked amazed,
"They've been envious for years!"
"They think it would be oh so grand,
To have such ears as yours.
In fact," he cried, "they wish that they
Could be like you more!"
A creeping blush bloomed on the face,
Of the elf who once had thought,
That no one would accept him,
And friendship had not sought.
He mused a while in silence,
Whilst the sparrows sang their song,
And after a moment, thoughtfully,
Admitted he'd been wrong.

"I guess", he said, "that I'm the one,
Who did not like my ears.
It's my fault that I have no friends,"
He mumbled, close to tears.

The Smallest Elf was kind at heart,
And took him by the hand.
"My friends are all forgiving,
And I'm sure they'll understand."
So the two elves went to find the group,
And all it was explained,
Then forgotten instantaneously,
As they started another game.
And through the years, the Lonesome Elf,
Became a happy soul.
So wise and compassionate was he,
That all he would console.

And then if ever he could see,
That someone was left out,
He'd put his arm around them,
And tell them all about,
The time when he had worried so,
About what others thought.
How it all had been worked out,
And the lessons he'd been taught.
So if you ever feel that you
Are lacking in some way,
Remember our little Lonesome Elf,
And take the time to say,
"I am a worthwhile person,
And I do deserve to be,
Someone who is happy,
Because I am great, I'm me!"

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