Black Magic

           by 

Pavithra Nair, Grade 9

Black was always my favorite color

Like the ink that filled my pen

Like the night spangled with a million stars

Like the blank thoughts that I dared not speak

Black was the color that I always chose

To draw attention in a crowd

To cover the splinters of my character

To pave the way for me to walk,

I was always attracted to black,

But when I followed it blindly,

It led to the path of my demise.

(If you like Pavithra's writing, please share it and leave an encouraging comment.)

 

Over the Moon, Literally

by 

Archit Aggarwal, Grade 7

Have you ever done something as extraordinary as stepping on the moon? Well, I have, and it was a moment of immense pride. 

Taking off from Earth was not easy. We were sitting in a gigantic spaceship, wearing hefty spacesuits, and a heavy helmet with Anti-Ultraviolet Rays glass. The spaceship was pure white. It had three parts, the top part, the middle part and the bottom part. The launching pad was mostly reddish pink, with a speck of orange. 

Soon, the launching time arrived, and everyone in the spaceship started tapping their foot and muttering that they will miss Earth. The spaceship started emitting smoke from the rocket engines. 10 seconds later, a blazing fire poured out of the engines, and the rocket started going vertically towards the fluffy clouds above us. From far, I could see people rejoicing our launch, and a few were jumping with joy. 

Once the rocket reached mid atmosphere, the sun started blinding us and we had to put our helmets on. We could not hear anything, and our noses could not track anything that was going on. Soon the main engine fell off and we were left with only the rocket. 

Suddenly, all of us felt a very tingling sensation, and we started flying here and there, bumping into each other. Everyone in the spaceship started rejoicing! The people on Earth radioed into our spaceship and congratulated us on escaping Earth’s gravitational force. Our spaceship was now roaming in permanent darkness.

Few minutes after we left Earth, the big, heavy bottom part of the spaceship fell out. And then the middle part fell out too. This part of the journey to moon was the most relaxing part. We had to sail in complete darkness for two more months.

Whenever I woke up to my most-annoying alarm, which was scheduled to wake me up at 6, I felt as if it was still 2 in the morning. Food was not that great due to the absence of Gravity. 

One month later, we finally were able to see the moon from close. It looked like an enormous, white golf ball. My colleague said that it looked like a huge slice of provolone, which kind of made sense. No one else said a beep and they looked as red as tomatoes; they were so excited and nervous. 

The next month, the most difficult part of the journey was about to happen. We would have to capture the gravity of the moon and land on it without being flattened like a pancake. 

After the whole procedure, we finally landed on the huge golf ball. It had so many craters, more that anyone was able to count that it looked like someone had continuously smashed rocks into it. We got off the spaceship, and I was the first to set my foot on the moon. I felt very proud and my chest puffed up so much that I looked like the spaceship itself. 

I could jump almost a mile when I was on the moon. Wherever I walked, I left a footprint, which was permanent. We walked on the moon, and from far we could see Earth, half light and half dark. It looked pretty, like a hot ball of white and blue paint. I was too proud for words!

The return to Earth was the same as it was when we lifted up. We landed smoothly on Earth, and all the citizens of our country came to visit and congratulate us. I could not believe that I had finally accomplished my dream and I became famous after that!

(If you like Archit's story, please share and leave a comment for him.)

My Bravest Moment

Lakshmisree Raju

That night I was lying in my bed, squeezing my teddy bear, wrapped up in my princess blanket. But I tossed and turned, my teeth were constantly ripping the nails off of my fingers, my heart raced in the thought of having to speak in front of many people the next day.

‘’We should, umm.. eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and..umm.. and exercise everyday… to keep our body fit.‘’ I anxiously recalled the lines that I had to speak the next day for my first school assembly ever. Just the thought of it had butterflies flapping in my tummy. 

That’s when my mom came to check on me. ‘’Haven’t you slept yet? Tomorrow is a special day right? Are you excited?’’ she asked. 

‘’Yeah… but what if I make a mistake Amma?’’ I stuttered, furrowing my eyebrows. 

‘’Why do you think that way? You have learnt your lines very well and I’m sure you will do awesome. Now close your eyes and sleep.’’ She smiled and tucked me into bed. 

The next morning, I stayed in bed, half asleep with the awful thought in my head. ‘’I don’t want to go to school today..’’ I moaned to myself. 

‘’Lachu, wake up! It's seven o clock,’’ my mom called from the kitchen. 

‘’Five minutes…’’ I groaned.

‘’Wake up’’ she screamed.

I slowly got out of bed and walked to the bathroom, my back slouched, and frowning. I took the toothbrush, but it fell off my hand. I tried to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube, but I was too weak to. My whole body shivered in fright. 

On the way to school, a million scary scenes flashed in my mind. I pictured myself messing up in front of everyone. I could see people laughing at me when I spoke. 

I took a deep breath. ‘’Daddy, I am scared to speak in the assembly.’’

‘’It will be fine,’’ Daddy said confidently. ‘’Trust me, you will be the best among the group."

I shrugged and got out of the car and shakily waved goodbye to him.

I then quickly entered the assembly hall and stood in a line in which all the speakers were standing. And that’s when the real panic started. I saw many parents and students of other classes enter. I saw my parents stand in the midst of the crowd, showing me thumbs up with a big grin on their faces. I gave them back a smile. 

My legs trembled. I kept fidgeting with my hands. I couldn’t stand still.

Everyone was seated and the room was silent. It meant that the assembly had started. The first speaker went in front and started speaking.

‘’Oh my God, I’m next ," my brain screamed.

My stomach churned. My palms got all sweaty. I was panting. The first speaker finished his part and it was my turn! I took a deep breath and went forward. My legs felt wobbly like jelly as I walked. I could feel sweat dripping down my forehead. There was pin drop silence in the room for me to speak. I hesitantly started saying my lines. I could hear my heart go lub-dub as I was speaking. 

In a few seconds I suddenly realized that it was over. I had done my part! My brain was jumped for joy. I proudly went back with a big smile on my face. I grinned so much that day that my cheeks started hurting. 

After the assembly got over, my parents came up to me and gave me hugs and  high fives.

‘’See, there was nothing to worry about. You did so good. I am so proud of you’’ my mother said and kissed me on the forehead. I chuckled.

Oh, What a Year It Has Been!

by Kavya Saravanan

Grade 9

A lot has changed over the past year. Our lifestyle, norms, everything. Do you think 2020 was a year filled with obstacles or opportunities to make one grow into a better human being? Is this a period of growth or a swamp to pull us down?

For people small or big, Corona has been a learning experience, especially for students around the world. We have been able to get down a big weight off our shoulders. We have learnt lessons not only based on our syllabus but also life and things in general.

We have learnt to expect the unexpected. We have been able to adapt so quickly to a situation that it has helped us become more independent and stronger. A child who didn’t know how to make calls on the phone has begun to write program codes for an app that makes calls with voice commands.

Students are now more interested in learning new skills on their own. The boredom of lockdowns has made these boring skills very intriguing to us. Kids are teaching themselves how to play the piano, coding, video editing and much more. 

For instance, a couch potato has learnt how to make potato curry and rice. Students who hate biology have started to pick up their books and research on various topics.
During an online class, suddenly when the connection is lost, the students easily fix the problems by themselves and continue with their work like nothing happened.

Some children have had to experience total lockdown at home due to a covid-positive member in the house. This has helped in increasing their empathy towards their elders and acknowledging how hard they work so that their children can play and study. They have learnt to be patient, calm and their presence of mind has increased. Hats off to all these people who have braved through this situation!

This period has made students more responsible and independent in what they do.. There is no teacher to check their work and no student/friend to copy from. These are the times when we have got our hands dirty and learned to clean it too. Virtual learning has a lot of benefits, like, being our own boss at  our classwork, learning a lot of personal skills, and sometimes even a little leisure to do mischief.

A student that I know was really poor in his grades earlier and didn’t care about it, but he got terrified of all the sudden independence and started working hard to get better grades. He has been able to gain so much confidence in himself that he decided to learn two musical instruments on his own.

These instances are just a tip of the iceberg. There are many more incidents that testify the change that has come over people for the better. These small learnings will be really effective and useful to us, maybe not now, but in the future when one must go out in the world alone. When times became difficult to manage, our young change makers made their way to the light from the dark.

This year has been a learning experience for all students about how the world will be left for us to carry forward. There will be many challenges ahead. It is up to us to decide if we want to dance in it beautifully or escape from it cowardly.

 Topic of the Month

The pandemic has brought both-the good and the bad-in our lives. In what best and worst ways has it impacted your life?  And how are you dealing with it?

 

Constitutionally Silent

by 

Shubhangini

Few on the road...
Some in the forest...
Few in the water bodies. ...
Animals all found there,
Can originate their lifestyles anywhere

Ah! Now confused why people wearing mask everywhere

Don't know the pandemic all there,
The majestic world they own,
Where all the delightful creatures live,
Some friends, Some foes
Teach us to be...
The fighter ones,
The peaceful ones,
The trustworthy ones,
The cool, humble ones,
And the loved ones.

 

From Asha's Desk

Dear Glow-worms,

Welcome back. The November issue is slim, but rich in its content. I have received some exceptional submissions, nearly all of them resonating with powerful themes and thoughts. I am amazed at what you are all capable of-both in terms of ideas and expression. Kudos!

Every time I feel pessimistic about our children and YA’s general lack of interest in writing, I pull out these submissions and treat myself to the hope they offer. For every ten kids who may dismiss writing, there will be two who will swear by it. They are the ones who will keep GW going, regardless of how small it gets in size.

My objective is to find these rare gems wherever they are and put them in a crown for posterity.

The topic of the month, inevitably, is the pandemic. Among those severely affected are children and YA, in several ways. While a majority have reconciled to the situation, it is certain that they have been impacted. I am eager to know in what ways and how they are coping with it.

So, write in.

Lending you all a keen ear, 

Keep Glowing. Keep Growing.

 Star of the Month

 

The Realization of Sonder

by

Malini Tarakad Seshu

I am making my way down the sidewalk to Alec’s house when I see her. 

A woman looking lost, maybe three or four years older than me, with red-rimmed eyes fighting back tears, struggles with an abundance of books bundled in her arms while wearing a heavy-looking backpack. I immediately empathize with the woes of a fellow student, but the trembling is what gets me.

After a quick internal debate, I make a decision. Alec can wait.

I slowly approach her, and offer, “Hey, I’m Kyra. You look like you would appreciate a friend.” 

She looks at me and I see the dam about to burst. Words spill out and I listen.

“I swear I wouldn’t ask this of anyone on a normal day, but I really need to go somewhere, and I don’t have my phone ‘cause I just came from uni and could you please call me a cab? I have the money and all, and I would do it myself usually but,” she dully chuckles, “my mind’s not really working properly at the moment.”

I’ve liked helping people my entire life and I’m not going to stop now.

Sorry, Al.  “Sure, I have nowhere to be at the moment anyway,” I lightheartedly reply, trying to cheer her up without crossing the awkward stranger boundaries. 

I pull out my phone and call an Uber for her, answer all the basic questions, and when they ask me for a name, I cover the receiver and ignoring the fact that she’d been crying, ask her kindly, “Your name?”

“Oh, uh, Angie,” She hurriedly replies, giving me a weak appreciative smile for not pushing.

After some more inquiries, the person on the other side tells me that the cab will arrive in about fifteen minutes. I voice my acknowledgement and end the call.

Angie profusely thanks me with a shaky smile, and I respond with a friendly gaze.

Help, I can do. Now, comes the part I’m bad at. Comfort.

“So, uh, would you wanna talk about it?” 

She stares at me, wondering whether to talk. 

“My-” her voice cracks, “My best friend tried to kill herself,”

and she whimpers, as if saying it made it real. She continues and stutters out, “She- she’s in the hospital and she’s gonna live, thank God, but why would she- how could she-” Angie breaks down in sobs and I’ve never felt such pain for someone else.

I’m only twenty, and I couldn’t imagine living without Alec and Raisha in my life, my supporters, confidants and partners in crime, and I hope to anyone up there than I never have to understand the pain Angie’s feeling right now.

I don’t know what to say, but I know that I need to help.

“Can I hug you?” I ask softly, and when she shakily nods, I embrace her and let her hold on to me and sob, because I know that’s what she needs.

“Hey, listen to me, listen to me. It’ll be okay. Your friend’s gonna be alright. You’ll help her get through this, I know you will, and you’ll be okay too.” I say with certainty, even though my confidence can’t predict the future. “You’re strong, and once this passes, both of you will be happy, I promise you.

You’re gonna make her understand how much you care, and you’ll help her, I have faith in you.”

I continue repeating reassurances while she breaks down in the presence of strangers, and I can’t seem to care.

***

It’s been ten minutes, and Angie seems relatively calm. I hope that she feels the same. I let go of her and she looks at me, with an earnest gaze, and whispers, “Thank you.”

I wave it off with an embarrassed look, because I’ve never known how to deal with gratitude or apologies of any kind, but she doesn’t buy it. 

“No, really, kid. I don’t know why you’re even helping me, but you’ve helped me right now more than anyone has, since I got the hospital call in uni. I really needed that. Thank you.”

 

I don’t know how to reply to that, but she doesn’t expect me to, and I give her a genuine disarming smile.

We wait in silence for a few minutes and the cab arrives. Before she can enter, I blurt out, “Could I get your number?” I flush, and then ramble out, “I mean you don’t have to, but it would really make me feel better if I checked on you later, and you seem like a great person, and traumatic experiences really do bring people together, right?” 

It’s official. I’m the most awkward person in this world.

She grins at me, dimly but still a grin, and says, “Sure, kid.”

After she gives me her number, she enters the cab and rolls down the window. “After all of this, I’m definitely gonna introduce my friend to you, she’ll like the kid who helped me while I was being stupid while she was in a hospital bed,” She pauses and sincerely says, “Thank you again, Kyra. Really.”

I brush it off again, and she lets me this time, knowing that I accepted the thanks in my own way. I wave at her as she leaves.

Well, that was a whirlwind of emotions, and I think I just made a new friend, or two.

I resume walking towards Alec’s house, knowing full well I was about to be interrogated about my delay. 

I realize, more profoundly than I ever have before, that everyone has their life, as complex as mine, with ups and downs, friends and experiences. Every single individual has a life as vivid as mine. 

I stumbled upon someone in need on a bad day of theirs, and maybe someone else will help me this way when it’s a bad day of mine. 

It’s an interesting thought.

Now, all I can do is hope that Angie reaches without difficulty, hope that her friend will get better with help, physically as well as mentally. I hope that Angie will be alright. 

I reach Alec’s door and ring the doorbell, prepared for the onslaught of questions. The door opens, and I’m smothered by an unexpected hug instead. “You idiot, I was worried about you! I call you fifteen times and you don’t answer, you said you were reaching thirty minutes ago.”

Warmth seeps into my body, and I am filled with the contentment of having a friend who cares. And if I hugged him tightly back, more than usual, cherishing his existence, no one would know. 

I remind myself to do this to Raisha too later. I gently pull myself out of his hold, and leave my hand on his shoulder.

“Come on, I have some things to tell you.”

***

I am so grateful for my friends, who I see as family, and I hope that the stranger on the street doesn’t have to lose hers.

 

I'mpossible

by

Lakshmisree Raju

“ Hey! The fatty girl is here. Ha Ha Ha!”

“ Look at her, so ugly,”

 “Eww!, she spends the whole day studying that she doesn’t have time to make herself look decent.

“Girl, don’t you know your priorities?”

These are the kind of things that I hear every day when I enter my classroom. I have kinda gotten used to it, but still it hurts so bad.

Hearing these rude words, I silently went to my place. No matter how hard I tried, they always kept playing in my head. It was so disturbing! It just made me want to quit school.

I also don’t have many friends because of how I look, but I have Shreya. I may not have many friends but having one true friend is what that matters. There are people in this world who only have fake friends, so seen that way, I consider myself a very lucky person.

Shreya was the only person in my class who didn’t speak bad about me, instead she fought for me. I have always wished to be like her, to fight for myself, but I could never do it.

After class, I walked down the hallway to get to my next class, feeling very lonely. Shreya was sick so she didn’t come. I walked slowly to prevent people from noticing me. But I could hear people whispering behind my back. I tried to ignore them and go on with my work. I wished that Shreya was here.

Having support from her was the only thing that helped me with my depression , but one day it all changed!

It was recess and we all started having our lunches. Usually we both have food together, so I called her,

“Shreya! Come to my table to eat.”

“You can start eating , I’ll be there in some time.”

That is when I heard her say something unbelievable to the other girls with her. 

“She eats so much, that’s why she is like a pumpkin.” I saw them laughing.  “I wish I am not her friend , but I feel sorry for all the rude comments she gets.”

“No, you shouldn’t be sorry!” a girl in the group said.

I was shocked. My heart raced with rage. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. I never knew she could do this to me! Now each step I took I felt useless, dumb, ugly.

At night I tossed and turned sleeplessly. I really wanted to sleep but couldn’t. All I could hear were those words that I never knew could come out of her mouth. Tears of anger, sadness, and disbelief  flowed from my eyes.” Why can't I be beautiful like other people? It's impossible!” I screamed with hopelessness.

“Why did she do this to me? Am I really that ugly? Why does everyone talk only bad about me? If she doesn’t want to be my friend, why is she, then pretending to be?" As these dreadful thoughts rolled around in my head, my eyes closed and I fell asleep.

Next morning, I woke up as a different person. Fully energized , confident and no more insecure. I understood that I shouldn’t get influenced by what other people say about me, instead challenge myself and show them what I really was and that I could change too.

I don’t know from where I got that courage, but it really helped me.

And…about the friendship with Shreya…. I can't trust her like I used to, but I will just treat her as a normal ’hi-bye’ friend. I also needed to prove to her that even I could speak up for myself. I didn’t need anyone to do that for me.

That morning, I entered the school, with my head up. I heard people whispering about me , but I didn’t care.

At recess, Shreya asked me,” Hey, lets have lunch together, my mom has made your favorite.”

“Sorry, I have better things to do, and by the way, why do you want to give me your food if you think I eat too much? Don’t you also want to eat? Be careful I might finish your food.” I said sarcastically.

Her face turned red and she no longer looked me in the eye. She didn’t say a word and silently walked away. I think she was happy that I was not spending time with her anymore.

From that day, I decided to challenge them. For lunch, I brought a green salad. It was disgusting, but I was determined. They also made fun of me for bringing salad and said that I could never lose weight even if I tried.

I smiled to myself and thought, "you will regret saying that later.”

A week passed. My summer vacation started. This was my most favorite time of the year. No school, I could sleep late and wake up late and I could go to the pool every day. 

But this summer vacation was going to be different. I had a goal to achieve. 

I ate healthy and exercised every day . Week by week, I looked slimmer and more beautiful. People around me were astonished.

By the end of the vacation, I was in great shape and was ready to go to school to strike everyone dumb and overthrow my classmates.

On the day of reopening, I entered the class to see all my classmates open-mouthed. They couldn’t believe it. Many people apologized for being rude to me.

Shreya walked up to me and said in a very sorry voice,  "Hey, I am extremely sorry to hurt you. I actually didn’t mean to do that to you. Everyone made so much fun of me because I was your friend. That’s why I couldn’t help telling that to them. But I regret it now. Can we please be friends again?.”

“Yeah of course, I too miss the old times,” I said and gave her a big smile and a bear hug.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Topic of the Month

What Makes Me Want to Write or Not Want to Write?

When I get inspiration, I’ve noticed that I need to write it down immediately before my thoughts travel to different places. There have been many occasions when I have gotten up in half-sleep to write down a few lines, which miraculously rhyme.

I find it easier to write down situations that I’ve personally gone through, it makes it much more realistic and emotionally accurate. Whenever I write about anything that I haven’t personally experienced, I put myself in that person’s shoes, and after completing it, I ask for feedback from friends and

family members who may have experienced it.

I usually write about topics that really touch me and also pen down my thoughts to unthread the chaos in my mind. It is much easier for me to solve a problem if I know exactly what it is, and the events that has led to it.

I have experienced many a times that deadlines do help to motivate me to write, and the pressure though straining, has resulted in some of my most heartfelt works.

Sometimes I just don’t feel like writing, mainly because of my internal fear that I may not like what I end up discovering about myself. Other times I put it off, due to conflicting schedules and mainly the exhaustion that comes after pouring your inner thoughts out on paper

(Mythili Tarakad Seshu)

****

While writing stories, we always share our thoughts. I began writing around the age of 7.  Earlier, I used to write about my daily routine, my kin and my other experiences. Later on, due to the long hours of school, I was constantly occupied. I didn't get much time to pen down my thoughts. Nowadays, due to the pandemic I have  time to write poems, articles. 

My mother also has shown me some writing of her friend which improved my writing skill. I am a nature lover, so most of my writings are related to it. Writing has enriched my knowledge of words and phrases.  It refreshes my mind and keeps me vivid. It is part of my entertainment, interest, hobby and adds more power to my pen.

(Shubangini) 

 

Kicked Out?

by 

Pavithra Nair

‘Ouch! Oh, majesty it wasn’t me, please let me explain, it’s a misunderstanding,’ I started to plead when the golden doors closed with a big thud and a flaming white light. I fell on the ground crying my eyes out. I looked up into the sky and screamed with rage, ‘How could you do this to me? What have I ever done to you? I have always been with you, but you didn’t trust and just kicked me out? How could you oh great one, How could you?’

That’s when I realized I could feel the grass, I could feel myself alive! I missed this feeling. It’s been a long time. Yes, 60 years is a long time. This place looked very different. It felt new.

I slowly got up and cleared the dirt on my white frock. I ran around the place feeling the fresh air, light, little puddles of water and the birds singing their melody.

I calmed myself, and looked up and said, ‘I ask for your forgiveness Your Majesty, I shouldn’t have screamed at you. I was just upset. It hurt me that you believed the words of a traitor and just kicked me out heaven. Now please tell me, where I am supposed to go and how
am I supposed to live? I have forgotten all the worldly ways.’

I let out a sigh and started walking when the garden on my left caught my attention. I went towards it when memories started gushing into my head. Running around this place, sitting in that very bench, collecting lilies, laughing and smiling with my one and only best friend, Lisa. This place had only given me amazing memories except one. That time when He called me up to him.

It night was the strangest night I had ever known. There was smoke  all over the place, the sky turned purple, my vision got blurry and a huge hand appeared on the sky, slowly pulling me towards it like a magnet. 

After sometime when I opened my eyes, the site I saw was magnificent! The place I saw was alluring. There were angels flying all over  the  place. I felt some kind of joy which I couldn’t describe. My heart stood still when I saw this gorgeous city. Everyone there seemed happy. No one shed a tear. They didn’t even know what sadness meant. But this happiness didn’t last
long. A traitor from hell dressed decently came in to get me  thrown out. He cooked up stories and made me look like the bad guy. I tried to explain myself many times, but the Lord himself
 wouldn’t listen to me and he kicked me out.

While I was thinking all of this, I heard someone sobbing. I  turned around and found an old woman who seemed to be in her late seventies sitting on that very bench, with her head hung low.

I slowly moved towards her and tapped her shoulder. ‘Hey, are u alright?’ I asked.
She looked up, her eyes widening like saucers. She was shivering and then suddenly she hugged me tight.

‘It’s you, where had  you been? You know how much I missed you?
You haven’t grown old at all. It’s been sixty years and you still look young and beautiful’, she spoke letting go of the hug.

I recognized that voice, I knew that smile. Lisa!

She looked old, with wrinkles all over her face and a bent back. I gave her my biggest smile and told her all that had happened to me,  including my eviction from heaven.’

She listened to me carefully and asked, ‘Can’t you just stay here with me, why you have to go?’

'I have to, that’s the law of the universe. You must accept the fact that I cannot be on earth for long. I know the Lord will take me back soon,’ I said getting up from the bench.

I looked up at the starry sky and saw my star calling me. I gave my best friend one last hug and started walking. When I almost reached the end of the road, I shouted, ‘Goodbye my friend. Don’t worry, we will meet again.'

And then the same hand appeared pulling me up again. When I  reached the gate of heaven, I saw the guy who back-stabbed me and got me kicked out welcoming me with a great smile.
That’s when I realized, this was all the Lord’s game.

Not everybody gets a chance to bid goodbye to their loved ones and I was one of them. If it weren’t for the traitor who got me kicked out, I couldn’t have met my Lisa who always waited for me, thinking I would come back.

Feeling grateful, I entered heaven again.