Book of Poetry

“Wake up, Nancy,” called Elizabeth. “Time for school.”

Nancy rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed. Immediately, she reached for her phone. She was scrolling through the feed when Elizabeth walked in. 

“Darling, you’ll be late for school.”

“Yes, mom,” said Nancy and went to the washroom, still glued to her phone.

Even when she joined Elizabeth for breakfast, she was engrossed in her phone.

“Let us talk for some time,” requested Elizabeth. “Can you put the phone down?”

“Sure,” said Nancy and kept the phone.

“You know, Nancy, when I write a poem, I feel that the first stanza and the first couple of lines in particular are very important.”

“Why is that, mom?”

“Because it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. A poem well begun, generally gets better and ends at its best!”

“Yes,” agreed Nancy. “As a reader, I second that!”

“It is true for life too, Nancy.”

“Do explain,” requested Nancy.

“Life is like a book of poetry and each day is a new poem. How you start the poem will determine how the poem turns out to be. How each poem shapes up, will determine how good or bad your book of life will be!” explained Elizabeth.

“Begin each day on a positive note,” continued Elizabeth. “What is the daily feed on your phone?”

“World news or updates about friends,” replied Nancy.

“Do you think that is a positive start to the day?” asked Elizabeth.

Nancy thought about the negative news updates and friends getting into comparisons with others. “No, not really!”

“So, why do you wish to start your day with it?”

“I get your point, mom,” said Nancy. “So, how should I start?”

“Start the day by expressing your gratitude to the Almighty for the chance to write another poem!” suggested Elizabeth. “Then do anything positive and uplifting. Go for a walk, observe nature, read your favourite book, or anything that makes you feel happy.”

“I will do that from tomorrow, mom.”

“You’re a good girl, Nancy,” praised Elizabeth. “Just stay away from the phone in the mornings.”

“I will,” assured Nancy.