I was tired of convincing Lisa to smile. Every time we sat down with her, she simply crossed her arms and stared at me through a set of deep, solemn eyes, her mouth refusing to curl into a smile. It was a shame, really. She had a plump figure and a lively blush on her cheeks that suggested she was really someone enjoyable to be with, however, her permanent frown told otherwise. I tapped my foot impatiently on the intricately designed carpet, frustration slithering around in my head like a serpent. Lisa was yet again assuming her position with her crossed arms and her defiant gaze. I refused to give up. I wanted nothing more than to paint her wearing a smile. I was confident that I could create a masterpiece out of her—A Secret Beauty—only she didn’t realize it yet. “Miss.” I fidgeted with my paintbrush as I looked into her serious brown eyes. “If you would just smile a little–” “I’m quite alright, thank you,” Lisa said, and her fingers twitched in irritation. I shut my mouth immediately and gave a single nod. “That’s fine,” I replied in disappointment. I started mixing my colors, glancing back at her hopefully as if suddenly she would change her mind and turn towards me with a bright smile on her face. It didn’t happen. “Exactly how long will this take?” Lisa asked impatiently. I stayed silent, not wanting to answer her question. In truth, it would take several years to paint a masterpiece. I would have to request a sitting with her multiple times just to accurately paint her features on canvas. “Not long,” I lied. She clearly saw past my lie as, several years later, she grew tired of listening to me pestering her for another sitting. “I-It takes a while, Miss!” I repeated hastily, “I’m almost done.” And it was true. I was indeed almost done. In fact, everything from her mane of dark oak-colored hair to her crossed hands was painted to perfection. Everything…except her mouth, that is. Where her mouth was supposed to be was a stretch of blank canvas. I refused to paint her in a frown. It just seemed wrong, but convincing Lisa to smile was not an option. “Look this way please,” I asked Lisa who had turned her attention to a stray strand of hair. Lisa nodded curtly and I began planning out my approach. It turned out beautifully. I found myself staring at the portrait several times. Her eyes seemed to follow me everywhere I went. Even Lisa had been taken aback when I had showed her the portrait—the portrait of Lisa. Lisa with her crossed hands and serious eyes and smile. The smile that seemed to hide something. Like she knew all the secrets in the world. A Secret Beauty.
Young Bloggers
Out of the Pandemic, poetry in seasons by Paridhi, 13 | Part V: Winter 2021
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 Winter (Craftpaint) By Leonardo Cavaliere, 6 (Tarzana, CA), published in Stone Soup January 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.
Lost Land
Unseen, seen, unseen. Blink and it will disappear. In cover it waits for no one knows what. Lost in the mid-Pacific, traps protect the jewel, never to be found. Only the past may reveal Secrets of the lost.
