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

[Susan 🦋]

Children can so so cruel...yet there is always something behind that kind of anger. This poor boy needs a hug and I need part 2 to his story...where he over-comes, graciously :-)

[William Liston]

Thank you for your lovely words, Susan. And who knows, I may write a part two of this to give Walter his chancer to shine : )

[lightsong]

Amazing how Your words flow so smoothly, yet the one feels the strength of Your poem so real like there's not even any tiny flaw on it.

In this You showed us that You can write about any subject in the same great style of Yours, well done William, very well done!

[William Liston]

Thank you, Light, for your kind words. It humbles me to hear (or read) such praise. Thank you for stopping by.

[Rochelle Delaine]

I really liked your poem/story. I thought it was very agreeable. (The poem) It's not too long and its not too short. I was thinking...maybe it would be nice if Walter had a few lines to share about his situation. Well...anyways,...You go right into what Walter possessed and how caring and sharing Walter is...I was kind of upset he wasn't liked. I guess you gave enough detail. ( It got me all concerned about this character.)

[William Liston]

Hello Rochelle : )
Thank you for your wonderful insights and kind words. I never thought about adding any of Walter's thoughts to this, but I may do that to give him a little more character.
Thanks for stopping by.

[emipoemi]

A marvellous ballad.....to I detect a tinge of Silverstein? Love the wit, the story, the poetry of it! ¡Bravo!

[William Liston]

Thank you for your kind words.
I'd never head of Silverstein 'til now, so thank you for mentioning him.

[Gaurangi]

you just remind me of the poems we used to have in our English textbooks in school. You seem like a well settled poet already. Please keep challenging yourself with such ideas,

[William Liston]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed.

[mum]

I loved the rhythm in this piece ... super cool stuff .

[William Liston]

Thank you.

[richieb]

Our nose always makes things lighthearted. Though there are some who always take it to another level and can cause pain.
Jr. High is a breeding ground for all phases of abuse. Lifetime reputations are created there.
Your poem was written in the correct text to create playful imagery. There was no pain intended. Well written and should be well received.
Richie b.

[William Liston]

As always, I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for your magnificent review.

[FIN]

Dear Mr. Liston,

I felt the poem to be sorrowful; not humorous, although I can see the *slight* attempts at dampening a hurtful subject.

This poem made me sad and hurt and reminiscent of times of my younger years... I was typically the jack***. Which now, looking back, with all that I know and all the pain I have suffered and all the pain I have took witness to, makes this piece a heart-wrenching story for me enlivening the past mistakes I've made.

Purely on a story-level analysis, it was well thought out and well structured; I feel any whom have been bullied can recognize themselves within this piece, especially with such juxtaposition of expression of the boy being quite talented, yet still regarded as inadequate.

Nice read.

Much love,

LR

[William Liston]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad this piece could relate to your life. Thanks again for your magnificent review.

[Giulia King]

I have an insecurity about my nose too. It was fun to read but I hate that our insecurities stops us from really living.

[William Liston]

Yeah, it can *seem* like a hinderance at times, but you can still overcome it with positive thoughts. Thank you for reviewing.