School Days

A quiet girl shines

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

In a high school filled with vibrant souls,
There was a girl who stood apart, alone,
Her intellect was sharp, her mind was whole,
But awkwardness and shyness were her own.
She wandered through the hallways, in control,
Yet, always feeling like an outsider, drone.
Her classmates laughed and chatted, carefree,
While she observed—a silent mystery.

Her knowledge bloomed like flowers in the spring, 
Her thoughts danced freely, like a gentle breeze,
But when it came to socializing, a sting
Of anxiety would grip her heart and squeeze.
She longed to join their conversations, cling
To the connections formed with such degrees.
But her words stumbled, her voice would falter,
And her presence seemed to cause a slight alter.

The schoolgirl's days were spent in solitude,
Lost in books, her refuge from the crowd,
She delved into the worlds that authors brewed,
Escaping into tales both wild and proud.
Her mind, a vast expanse, forever strewed
With knowledge sought and wisdom vowed.
But as the days turned into years, she yearned
To break free of anxiety that churned.

One day, a challenge came her way, unseen,
A debate competition, fierce and grand,
Her classmates scoffed, for they had not foreseen
The quiet girl would dare to take a stand.
But as she stepped upon the stage, a queen,
Her voice resounded, strong and in command.
She spoke with passion, eloquence, and grace,
And captivated all with her embrace.

The schoolgirl's intellect took flight,
Her words were like a beacon in the dark,
Her classmates saw her in a brand-new light,
As she cast off their stares, uncouth remarks.
No longer an outsider, but a sight
To behold, a star that had left a mark.
She taught them all a lesson, wise and true,
That brilliance comes in many shades and hues.

Author’s Note

This is an example of an Ottava Rima poem, which follows an ABABABCC rhyming scheme.

Upcoming…

• A poem about acceptance

  Transitioning, 3 August 2024

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