Author: Aashi Sharma, Class VII F
I try to speak
But there’s a lump in my throat
They’re all staring at you!
My mind evokes
“They hate you
You’re as good as a failure
You’re nothing but a nerd”
My face goes paler
The thoughts start to erode.
I write on the board.
But they spot my mistakes.
Desperate to win
I start to erase
It was as if I was a rook
And they were the king
Me doing all the work
For I was just like a fling
The thoughts start messing with me
Sweat dripping down my face
My hands start shaking.
For there is none left of grace
My eyes start to glisten
Are you okay? They ask
I’m fine, I say.
Oh but alas
I sit in my seat
They, the People who clapped
“They’re just being polite”
I felt like I was trapped.
I start to break down
Not being able to take it
People walk by
Thinking of disgracement
I want to run away.
Consumed by my mind
This place was not for me
For they were just not my kind.
But then I remember
What all dearest to me said
Don’t let it mess with you!
Consider them dead
My breathing steadies
A wave of calmness washes by.
I raise my hand
Confidence finally by my side
No longer did I analyze people
I didn’t even shed a look
For I knew this time round
I would no longer be the rook.
The attacks lessened
Day by day
I felt much happier
Much to others’ dismay.
So this is a lesson
I hope to preach
Always remember
SPEAK!
