On Appearances

resembles a ballad; somewhat autobiographical

Walter Gust, a lonely boy, 
he had a nose so wide, 
that kids would call it fat and flat 
to strip him of his pride, 

but Walter was a gifted child
although none could realize. 
His talents were a brilliant beam
unseen to others' eyes. 

Walter had a voice of gold
that from the hills would ring. 
Birds would flock from far and wide
to hear his great voice sing. 

His mind was rich with intellect. 
His heart was filled with care, 
for he had not a thing possessed 
he couldn't easily share; 

but even with his caring heart
and genius-level mind, 
all the other kids at school
would still treat him unkind. 

It mattered not, his feats of skill, 
his intellect or care. 
It mattered not, his golden voice
or willingness to share. 

He mattered not, poor Walter Gust, 
though talents from him rose ...
for every eye could only see 
his wide, gigantic nose.

Author's Note

Please leave an honest review. Constructive criticism is more than welcome.

Reviews

[Maria]

I can truly see this boy, with all his talents, yearning deep within for a friend or two; and or for someone to notice his talents and look past that big nose of his. I have met a few here in there, during my lifetime with insecurities and such, yet full of much talent. Some learned to ignore the snickers and stares and a few ended, growing in despair.

[William Liston]

I'm glad you could feel for the character in this piece, Maria.
Thank you for your kind review.

[Maria]

You are very welcomed. Truly enjoyed this

[mercy party]

this turned out to be profound and fun. you developed a like-able character any awkward introverted artist can appreciate. Art/ music was the key to my survival! Nice Poem

[William Liston]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed.

[Quinn W]

A lot of times your appearance can take over your life. Some people won't talk to you just because they don't find you attractive. Some people aren't willing to look a little deeper.

[William Liston]

Yes, and it's sad. I've been such a person before. Thank you for reviewing.

[Diamond]

Though it appears to be a light hearted poem. It reflects the delicateness of the boy as well as the rudeness of the people around him. As a teenager I would speak English in bits and pieces and I was often ridiculed for that and also for my short height. I could totally relate to it. This is a very beautiful tale which is thoughtful, humorous and soft the read.

[Diamond]

And yes, apparently though it is humorous, for the one who can relate to the feeling of the boy..it evokes a sad emotion. It did certainly for me.

[William Liston]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you found the message relatale as we've all been "Walter Gust" before. I appreciate your review.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

This did not made me laugh. Rather it made me reflect on the attitudes of people.

I think people find it easier to make fun on a slight out of the norm appearance than the out of the norm talent.

This is sad but true in general all over. Thought provoking for me.

[William Liston]

I'm glad it was thought-provoking. Thank you for your kind words.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

You're welcome, William! A pleasure.

[Dysphoria]

It so true, it's sad but honestly, I did laugh. I did find it humorous and I'm still smiling. But the meaning in it is sad.
People do tend to judge by appearances and don't look deeper down.
It was done really well and I like it.

[William Liston]

I'm glad the message and tone of the piece could shine through. Thank you for reviewing.

[Cara]

to me it is not humorous at all, it hurts.
the fact that almost everyone cares for the look and not the core is what makes the world really blind,and i believe that if maybe.. just maybe they would close their judging eyes just for a day,and open their hearts and minds and mind their own business instead, then maybe we'll have a chance to make our world a better place.

[Cara]

i loved this, and i think that everyone should read it, thank you for sharing

[William Liston]

Whether you think it's humorous or not, I'm glad you enjoyed. Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you understood the message.

[Cara]

thank you for sharing this message :)

[Isabella Ivy]

I'm sorry that I didn't receive a notice to read this, just stumbled across it. This is an enjoyable read :) It gave me the feel as one of the old fables, so that I expected a turn of events providing a 'moral to the story'. It is lighthearted and somewhat sad, but entirely relatable, as we all must have suffered some: for being too tall, or ears stuck out... for we all have imperfections. With a resolution and illustrations, it would make a great children's storybook. That's what I do. And I actually have one about a creature with an exceptional nose! lol. Thanks for the invite :) Good fun! I.I.

[William Liston]

I'm glad you enjoyed. I appreciate that this has the feel of an old fable. Thank you for reading and reviewing.

[Isabella Ivy]

Sure!