the late bloomer

the other kids

called her tin grin

on account of her silver

braces,

or freckle

face,

or strawberry shortcake,

they made

fun of her frizzy

hair, 

and skinny limbs,

scarecrow

was another name

they called

her on the playground.

but i stuck with it

and in

the end, years later,

they were jealous

of the gem i found.