‘What’s Next?’: Poem by Shritika Ugale , a student of Apeejay School, Nerul

Class: IX- C

Going around in circles in the dark, feeling hopeless and alone
Unexpected, a small light shone, and gave me a way to go
It ignited a fire within, and guided, to find my voice
Finally on the right track, I thought. Could finally find my voice
Stood up and started walking, with a newfound heart and choice

I was just a teenager, helplessly, trying to navigate my way
Through school, my social life, and of course, the stress of each new day
Was searching for my identity, my place being hurled
Striving to find my passion, my soul purpose in this world
It never was easy to focus, there was just so much noise and distraction
When social media was yelling,”You’re not enough! You’re not perfection”
And here I was, trying to stay afloat, in an ocean of expectations and fears
It was hard to keep myself above water, when the waves of doubt and anxiety
appeared

Nervously looking for a lifeline, a rope to cling to, a beacon to guide
A glimmer of hope, a spark ignites, a fire burns inside
I’m still not where I want to be, but I’m on my way
I’ve come quite a long way, but still have a lot to say

Stuck at crossroads now, innumerable lanes and paths to take
Still indecisive on which way to go, or what my next step should be?
Play it safe, or take a risk and try?
Follow my heart, or listen to my mind’s reply?
What’s correct? What’s next?

Poem by Shritika Ugale

Class: IX- C

Apeejay School, Nerul