For Equestria Daily’s “Newbie Artist Training Grounds.”

Day 27 — Draw a pony attending a masquerade/a fancy pony.

You’ve been looking forward to this ball for a long time now. You’ve been so excited, looking for the perfect dress and practicing your dancing. I love to see you happy.

Others may look at you and point and laugh. They don’t see you the way I do. They only look at you from the outside—all they see are your flaws. I look at you and I see that you are perfect. Flawless. Innocent. An ideal role model for everyone you meet…including me.

The gates are drawing up, the ball is about to start. There are brilliant lights and exquisite music filtering out from inside the castle walls. I can see the lights twinkling in your shimmering eyes as you take it all in, positively giddy with pleasure. And in this moment, as I look into your eyes, I am happy too. Not because of the lights or the music or the formality of the event. I am happy because you are happy, and that means the world to me.

You are my hero, and I am proud to call you my mom.

Many manly tears were shed in making this piece. It means a great deal to me, and I hope you enjoy.