

Hanishka Soni, Class 5, CNM School, Mumbai
I stood, unafraid on a lonely lane,
Inside I was hurt, she caused me pain,
Still, a smile I bore, my courage on a crutch,
I didn’t expect it to hurt this much.
To live with dread, to smile in fear,
Distress is far, loneliness is near,
Isolation tastes sweet, when company is bitter,
The sweet taste of relief, I’d rather not chitter.
I love the silence, they’ve noticed it too,
Praise the alone, I wish I foreknew,
The taste of nothingness, it brings me joyfulness,
The feeling of happiness, it gives me willingness.
I wish I knew this secret before,
My feelings and heart wouldn’t have torn,
To taste, to feel the joy of silence,
My spirit’s peace, a cherished alliance.
I speak truth, and you may flicker,
Dogs will bark, and bitches will bicker,
Toms will hiss, and queens will yowl,
Forget heed to useless scowl.
She stole my friends, she gave me enemies,
She did everything to hurt me necessary,
And I won’t forget how she made me weep,
But her sad little story I won’t reap.
Now I am a better me,
No need of friends, I’m not lonely,
Of me, people will always note jealous,
But I shan’t leave the very jolly bus.
My happiness, I shan’t leave,
I don’t care if you like me or hate me,
I really don’t give care that you hurt me this much
As I no longer stand with my courage on a crutch.
March, 2025