When Little Z was born,
Something wasn't right.
His Mama noticed right away
He hadn't any stripes.
Little Z's odd pattern
Were not the normal lines.
Instead it looked like flowers
And winding, curving vines.
It wasn't just his Mama
That saw something was off.
Some other Zebras stopped and laughed,
While others just would scoff.
When the herd would tease him,
He'd turn the other cheek.
His pattern made him special!
His markings were unique!
Little Z would not feel bad
Or anxious 'bout his marks.
But at times it would be hard
To ignore all the remarks.
The herd, they liked consistency-
Change they'd not promote.
They wanted all to look the same
And not to rock the boat.
But Little Z loved his fur-
It was part of who he was.
One Zebra in a million,
With his uncommon fuzz.
One day, some other Colts
Came around to tease.
"What's wrong with your fur?
Do have some gross disease?"
They laughed and mocked so meanly,
Each one an awful bully.
But Little Z just did his thing,
Ignoring them all fully.
After time, the crowd had stopped
Laughing and just stared.
Amazed Little Z hadn't cried,
And that he hadn't cared.
"Why don't you run to Mom,
Crying and feeling bad?
You're different and a freak to us,
And that should make you sad!"
"Why should I care what you think?
Why should I feel ashamed?
I am special, one of a kind!
You're all just the same!"
"I'm comfortable with who I am,
What's it to do with you?
I am not hurting anyone,
Unlike all of you!"
"I feel very sad for you
That you get so much joy
From being cruel and being mean,
Wanting to hurt another boy."
His words made them stop and think.
It made them question why
They tried to hurt this other Colt,
Tried hard to make him cry.
They felt bad for what they did,
But the Colts were so impressed
With Little Z's self confidence
In what he had expressed.
His bravely standing up to them
Gained all of their respect.
For now they didn't have a care
If he were striped, dotted or checked.
In fact they all wanted to be
Friends with Little Z.
Z's self acceptance made the Colt
Someone they'd like to be.
They found Little Z and asked,
"Friends?" and he said, "Sure,
As long as you all promise
You won't be bullies anymore."
So if you feel different or weird,
Feel pride in being YOU!
You are unique, you are special!Those worth knowing will see that too!
