Parting Gift

With your image in my eyes,

I rubbed my eyes and sat upright,

Held my tears with all my might,

Got on my feet with a sigh.

With all our memories in my head,

Recollecting all the things you said.

Shuffled at the gifts on display,

Looking for the thin that could just say…

'Please don't go. Please just stay.'

That is not your way,

We were meant to be together,

In all days and in all weather.

Picked a card that said 'goodbye'

Kept it down with a sigh.

I don't want you to leave,

Stay right here with me.

There was a mug that said 'Good luck',

But without you life would suck.

O! I hate to let you go,

And that is what I want you to know.

I pictured you with a smile,

That wiped my tear for a while.

What could be the perfect gift for you?

I really wish that I knew…

I knew the time was coming near,

But I fighting back my tears.

Trying to somehow endure the pain,

Just that much to keep me sane.

Then I knew I couldn't hold my tears,

Neither shove away my fears.

Back in my room I sat,

With your picture, on the mat.

I want you to see within,

There's a part of me somewhere in.

And I need you to know,

We love you, please don't go…

Aishwarya Sahi

Class XI student of St Joseph’s Convent High School Aishwarya Sahi recently released her first book of poems, Memoirs of a Former Self. Aishwarya, who spends most of her time in her grandfather’s library, drew inspiration from the likes of Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost and John Keats. Her book is a compilation of 42 poems she wrote in the past four years.

The shy, but observant,

17-year-old said she like to writing poems on her life experiences. “Whenever I am happy or sad, I write down my emotions on paper. For example, I wrote one of my poems when I was worrying about my ICSE preparation. I wrote another one when I was disturbed about the relationship problems of one of my friends,” said Aishwarya.

Aishwarya’s first poem is dedicated to her father. “In Silent Support (her first poem), I thanked my father for all his support. He is a great motivator for me, and that is the reason I wrote the poem four years ago.”

Daughter of documentary filmmakers, Sumita and Pranay Sahi, Aishwarya plans to continue writing but wouldn’t take it up as a career. “Economics and English are my favourite subjects and I aim to pursue MBA. I also want to go to Oxford University. I also wish to join a non-government organisation (NGO) once I achieve success in my chosen field. My parents make various documentaries on NGOs, so I know about their work,” she said.

A diligent student, Aishwarya is always among the top five rank holders in her class. She topped the ICSE at her school with a 96 in English. Her hobbies include photography and listening to music.

As told to Shuchismita Chakraborty