Poet’s Note: This poem might be hard to understand unless you put yourself in my shoes, because it is about my journey from first grade to my current ninth. As I go back, I reflect on how much I’ve changed and how much I’ve stayed the same🙂.
ANNOUNCEMENT: I am happy to share that this is the fiftieth post on shriyasinha.com!!

The first year I remember little;
Only that I was not the best of the best.
I had more faults than skills or assets,
And was easily forgotten, as I said.

The second year can be called better
Though competition lurked around every corner
I tried to take part in the battle, then gave up,
Gratified with my simple self.

The third year was daunting still,
Snuggled in my cocoon that blended right in.
Did nothing to be admired, nothing to stand apart
And was happy with average, never aiming to win.

The fourth year brought with it a change.
But not the kind that was welcomed.
Alienated by enemies who called me their friend.
Always whispered about, yet I lived in innocent pretence.

The fifth year made me begin anew
A different person, I became.
Confidence built itself, brick by brick,
That led to accomplishment and to fame.

The sixth year proved me wrong,
For I was not as strong as I thought.
Pushed around, laughed upon.
My courage evaporated faster than water in a drought.

The seventh year came with friends,
Laughter, smiles and good things with no end.
Perhaps my favourite year so far,
For I went from stardust back to a star.

The eighth year was the most unexpected,
Rumours flying that I didn’t deserve the respect I got.
Yes, I admit I failed a few times.
But when placed in front of the sun, diamonds cannot shine.