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.
COVID-19
Out of the Pandemic, poetry in seasons by Paridhi, 13 | Part IV: Autumn 2020
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 IV Autumn 2020 Squash Fest (acrylics) By Taeyi Kim, 11 (Seoul, South Korea), published in Stone Soup November 2020 Recovery My cousins completely recovered. It was celebration time. Diwali The joyful festival of crackers and light, Came as it had never come before. It came slowly Bringing joy to everyone, But it was not the same as before. There were hardly any crackers And I was not allowed to meet my cousins Since they had just recovered, Recovered from the effect of the venom. Life Continues Life was crawling back to normal. Online schooling, TV, exercise, Became the mundane routine. I had started missing my friends, Who seemed so close during online schooling, But yet were so far. Shirdi Trip As time was slowly passing, Boredom set in. My parents were frustrated by staying put at home. So we decide to take a road trip to Shirdi, In the outskirts of Mumbai. We meticulously planned everything, Keeping the lockdown rules in mind. We were excited on the day of the trip. After visiting the magnificent temple, We took a tour of the entire city. I learned that the place was famous for guavas And my grandmother went berserk buying in bulk. My father was anxious when we returned. If anyone fell ill, A dragon would eat his head. Fortunately, the trip was a grand success. Relax It was fun. We had a lovely time together. But now, We are going to relax. For the last week of December. This trip did us good, And I am starting to prepare For the final exams in March.
Out of the Pandemic, poetry in seasons by Paridhi, 13 | Part III: Summer 2020
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 III Summer 2020 Sunflowers By Ethan Hu, 8 (San Diego, CA), published in Stone Soup September 2021 Spending Time Online studies has come with its pros and cons. TV serials have become our savior. Mythological serials such as Ramayana and Mahabharata Have my attention. Various delicacies and a lethargic lifestyle Is what I am leading. Eating popcorn, nachos or anything whenever I feel like. Fitness Looking at the mirror Realization struck. My little belly bulging out. Looking out of place. So I started exercising. It is a bit boring, Exercising all alone, But my mother is always there, Beside me, Urging me to continue And to never stop. Raksha Bandhan Our Hindu festival, Rakhi Is here, A ceremony celebrating The love and bond amongst brothers and sisters. With lockdown not that strict, I am going to my aunt’s new house. We are going to have a grand day, All cousins together, Delicious food, numerous gifts, fun-filled time— What we are looking forward to. A Joke It’s my birthday today. I am now 12. Only another year before I am a teen. When all my cousins came, My mother gifted me an enormous present. A broad smile brightened my face— I hastily unwrapped the gift To find another parcel packed inside, And then another layer, And yet another. After opening 10 parcels wrapped, Inside one another, I finally took out my present— A chocolate. We all had a hearty laugh. COVID After all the fun and frolic, Next day, Came the dreaded news. My cousins had fever, COVID was diagnosed. The venom slowly spread, It trapped each and every member of the family. Prayers, prayers and prayers, They should recover; I hope they do.