‘Happiness’: Poem by Shritika Ugale, Apeejay School, Nerul

Class: 9-C

I woke up to see an empty space,
Reflection staring back, a hollow face.
I tried to smile, to feel alive,
But it was just a mask, a subconscious drive,
To feel the joy, the happiness I’ve missed,

For decades, it’s been a distant, fading kiss.
Every day’s the same, an exhausting chore,
I tried to hide my tears, behind a painted smile, once more
My glasses often concealed, the tiredness I feel,
It was a disguise to hide, the emptiness which never heals.
Even around my dearest friends, I make it as if I’m all fine,

An involuntary act, driven by instinct’s design.
But deep down, I was gradually dying and was losing my will.
Flame that’s flickering , a soul that has lost its thrill.
I almost can’t remember what it means, to truly be alive,
To feel the comforting warmth of joy, to actually let my spirit thrive..
It’s been quite long, and I’ve lost the wish to carry on.
My heart’s become heavy, my soul that’s trying to move on.
Through the empty space, I was looking for just a tiny spark,
Like a glimmer of hope, light to guide me through the dark.
But it’s not easy to find, when the darkness felt is so real,

An eternal night, that’s swallowing all my zeal.