NaPoWriMo Day 23:

Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that responds, in some way, to another. This could be as simple as using a line or image from another poem as a jumping-off point, or it could be a more formal poetic response to the argument or ideas raised in another poem. You might use a favorite (or least favorite poem) as the source for your response.

I have always held these words of Rumi, close to my heart. So I sought inspiration from these!

Poem Title: The wisdom of “change”

A slice of this world, I fancied for myself

To mold my way, to carve as I conjured,

A part that I truly believed to be mine

But this world seemed to differ in conduct

–

The world differed that I rightly deserved,

I argued, I cried, I pleaded, I justified,

I waited patiently for their assent,

I wrestled with them for change and acquiescence

–

To change their customs, their norms and perceptions,

To amend everything that came my way,

To abort all rules that made me fail,

To alter all provisions, I did not accept

–

Acceptance, I comprehended, wasn’t easy either ways,

“Why should I change myself?” I would often resent,

I was at war with society and its despots,

As steadfast as them, as obstinate as they were

–

Obstinate I was, but was I at peace?

Was it rational or imprudent to be so adamant?

Was change not meant to be a way of life?

Was change not needed to evolve myself?

–

Evolution, indeed, was a step into the future,

As a caterpillar transformed into a striking butterfly,

If nature could harness the sparks of change,

I, a liberal human, could certainly testify

–

Liberated I felt, as I changed my perspective,

I now embrace change, to improve myself,

I’ve learnt to adjust; I am willing to accept,

I’ve decided to move on, I’ve changed my mindset!

–

©Vandana Bhasin

23.04.2021