Author’s Statement

I started writing this piece as an optional assignment in my seventh grade English class. It was an end of the year assignment. In this piece, I have tried to describe some vivid memories and experiences over the one and a half years during which the COVID-19 virus has put a break on my life. The pandemic has been a turning point in my life. I still have many more experiences to gain in life but I doubt I will ever be able to forget this.

A Note from the Editor

These poems were submitted to Stone Soup blog as a 40 page collection. I have decided to publish them in weekly installments, breaking them up by the seasons Paridhi established. The artwork I have chosen to accompany each installment was not selected by the author and was originally published in Stone Soup. 

Part V

Winter 2021

Exams again 

The final exams are here again, 

Everybody has started studying again. 

But the exams are easier this time— 

We do not have to go to school either. 

We just sit at home, 

In front of the camera, 

And take the test. 

Packing 

While I was busy with my exams, 

My parents had started 

Packing for a trip to the USA. 

My mother seemed busy as a bee. 

Our house, a mess, 

Cartons everywhere, 

Tickets were booked for March’s end. 

The relocation that was due a year earlier 

Was finally happening. 

Fun 

I am spending my last week in India 

With my cousins 

I am excited to go to the US 

But I will miss them. 

They were always there 

To help me 

To irritate me 

To tease me 

To love me. 

Yes, I will miss them. 

Farewell 

We are going tonight. 

I spend my day at my aunt’s place, 

My aunt makes all my favorite dishes. 

I love her cooking—

She is the best cook. 

My cousins and I spend the entire day together—

Playing with each other, watching movies, having fun. 

But as we drove towards the airport, 

I sensed the sadness in the air. 

We all cried. 

Flight 

It was a long journey. 

I was excited. 

The idea of crossing the Atlantic Ocean 

Mesmerized me. 

When we reached Chicago

It was snowing. 

My first experience of snow,

I felt a shiver run down my spine—

My bones were freezing.