Plain Jane

by James Mar

There was a small girl who chose to be plain.
She lived her life and saw nothing to gain. 

Her name was Jane Chang,
Named "Plain Jane" in slang. 

Plain shirt, plain shoes,
Plain food, plain blues.

Ask her opinion and hear what she'll say:
"Eh, um, I don't know, I guess it's okay."

Many people would say her life is real boring.
But Jane got by through regularly ignoring.

Her parents however, were concerned.
Every night they slept, they tossed and turned. 

Jane's father said, "I just don't understand."
"Nothing excites her, she always acts bland."

"I try taking her to theme parks and shows,
But every time I ask, she never goes."

Her mother also tried to inspire,
Only to find Jane's lack of desire.

"Want a makeover or maybe some toys?
If you look pretty, you'll attract them boys."

"No, that's okay mom.  I'm doing just fine. 
I don't need those things, I have to decline." 

Jane's choice to be plain never went away.
For months and months it lasted every day.

Finally, Jane's father knew what to do. 
"Jane, come down here, I want to talk to you." 

"I want you to try something new. 
You can't say no, just see it through."

"If ordinary is all you follow,
Your life will always grow to be hollow."

Jane's mother so firmly agreed.
"Your father's right, that's what you need."

"Let's look for something that's productive,
An interest that won't be destructive."

"We need to find you a passion.
First things first, let's change your fashion."

Jane replied, "All right, I guess I could change.
I'll do it even though it's kind of strange."

Month after month, Jane became more active. 
She got new clothes and found them attractive. 

Through art she gave her appreciation. 
Inspired to paint her own creation.

In music she made the loveliest themes.
Symphonies, sonatas played to her dreams.

Reading started a road towards imagination.
Not only that, it enhanced her education. 

Jane's health improved by playing sports.
She played all games and played all sorts.

By now, Jane learned to love many new things. 
She found the pleasures variety brings. 

Anything that fed her body or brain,
Jane discovered, was all for hers to gain.

When life's so plain, it's not always that great.
But with some effort, you'll change your own fate.