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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: ENVY (jealousy of another’s advantage) (02/12/15)
The prim little ten year old, Ella Louisa,
Was never content; no, nothing could please her.
She longed to be best at whatever she tried.
For her every feat was a matter of pride.

She had a young sister, called May Amalee,
The prettiest girl that you'd ever see.
But Ella Louisa did all that she could
To get people thinking that May was no good.

She bristled with envy when May got a glance,
And tried to upset her when she had the chance.
She pulled at her ribbons; she dirtied her dress,
Made May take the blame, and would never confess.

At school the young Ella Louisa got mad
If Tommy Lee beat her. She'd glare at the lad.
She couldn't abide it when others were better
At spelling or math, or at writing a letter.

At running and jumping young Ella was good.
She won all the races; she knew that she could.
But Genie Maloney, just new to the school,
Was taller and faster, and thoroughly cool.

Now Friday was Sports Day, and Ella looked smug,
Her contenders she gave a contemptuous shrug.
From the start to the finish, she knew she would win.
But Genie surpassed her, to her great chagrin!

She boiled with envy, resentment and rage,
No longer the best for her class and her age.
She hated the source of her racing demise,
She envied the upstart who'd stolen her prize.

Well, Ella Louisa, was handsome and smart,
Good at her school work, at sewing and art,
But rather than being content with her lot,
She smouldered with envy for what she had not.

She never was happy; no, nothing could please her,
The envious malcontent, Ella Louisa.
She simmered and steamed at others' success,
Inflicting herself with much grief and distress.

So look not to others and how they excel,
Their talents and vigour, nor how they look well,
Learn to be happy the way that you are.
The way that God made you has made you a star!
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This article has been read 875 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/20/15
Love the message this poem brought forth. I really loved it.

God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/20/15
You did a great job showing the topic. Your flow and rhyme is spot on. You did a great job.
Beth LaBuff 
02/20/15
I did a double take at your title. My (7 year old) granddaughter is named "Ella Louise." I had so much fun reading this and thinking about her. I had to send a link to her mom! Thanks for this entertainment this evening.
Toni Babcock 
02/23/15
This is really delightful to read - you have a wonderful grasp of rhythm and rhyme and it shines through from start to finish without sounding "contrived". It would be wonderful for young readers if you could write a book of rhymes like this that relate especially to the drama and conflicts that goes along with this age group!
Noel Mitaxa 
02/26/15
Your title hooked me because the "please her" phrase reminded me of the old Barry Ryan hit "Eloise." But I enjoyed the clever rhyming and rhythm - and the simple message in your work. Well done.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/27/15
Congratulations on ranking 14th overall! Happy Dance! My daughter was thing of naming Baby, Ella Louis, but I guess she didn't look like one on the ultrasound. Her name is still a mystery (which is driving me nuts, they told the dog but not me!) but I smiled at your poem and the almost name that my daughter loved.