LIFE LESSONS CORONA HAS TAUGHT US.
One Pandemic, And a Hundred Lessons
One year and two weeks ago, that is on January 27th, an event occurred that completely turned our lives upside down. Some may say for the worst, and others may say for the best. On that day, the first case of Covid-19 in India was confirmed. Immediately, our country imposed a two weeks lockdown which at first felt very vacation-esque. Starting from Dalgona coffee to other different TikTok challenges (which clearly did not age well) and trends, none of us had realized what we were about to face yet.
Soon, we fell into a spiral of uncertainty. None of us were sure if the world would ever go back to normal. Would schools reopen again? Would people be able to go to work like they did before? Was it the end of small scale businesses? We had zero answers for the longest time. But like we all realized last year, a crisis is like a big mirror in the face- it reveals the real us. This in turn teaches us so much about ourselves, our lives and our surroundings.
Mainly, we learnt that life is adaptable. No matter how well you plan, no matter how tirelessly you work, no matter how well you follow your vision of morality, there come events which test the very essence of your soul. These events rarely are your own creation, and when you survive even situations which were dire there is no guarantee that another event will not come about which surpasses whatever we have seen before. Plans can change and things may not work out in the way we had previously planned it but life still works out in the end. In fact, we make life work out by adapting to our situations.
Another thing we learnt and are still learning is how to deal with our feelings and mental health. Especially during the lockdown, without getting to do the outdoorsy things we would have wanted to do to enjoy ourselves or even distract ourselves, we were forced to deal with our mental health which helped us to come up with healthy ways to deal with it. People have different coping strategies- some will scream it out while some will shut themselves out, and yet others have other mechanisms. And it’s okay to not to be okay.
Another important thing we all learnt the hard way last year, is to live in the present. We all learnt very quickly that things and people can be lost and everything is uncertain. This is why we should be grateful for everything and everyone we have now. Like they say, expect the unexpected!
Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is concentrated strength. Patience might have just been the biggest and most important thing we all have learnt last year. The youths of this generation are always in a rush to move to the next phase of their life and accomplish more and more, which is great until they start losing hope if some things do not go well. Social media is to blame for that. The idea that we have to be successful within our early twenties is so bizarre and puts an immense amount of pressure on us. But thanks to the pandemic, we have learnt to be patient with ourselves and life. We paused. We stopped and waited patiently to survive through this. We still are waiting.
This waiting has shown us the brighter side of us, the humankind. Resilience in times of adversity, is a stepping stone.
The next thing we learnt is that our health should be the priority for anyone living on this planet. No matter how rich or popular you are, you just can’t buy health. And the earth is full of diverse creatures. Today we are facing corona tomorrow might be something else. Survival of the fittest was, is and will be the only principle not only on this earth but for entire universe. Not only police forces and doctors, but each and every people from vegetable vendors to people working in laboratories all are part of life which we have been ignoring. It’s the time to understand and respect each and every worker irrespective of their fields. And continue to respect them even after this bad time elapses.
COVID 19 has been the most exemplary case of nature healing in the absence of human intervention. Lack of pollution, less waste production and less toxic waste disposal into nature has improved the health of the environment by leaps and bounds. The Antarctic Ozone Hole which has worried scientists for decades is now healing at a rapid rate. Water quality in lakes and rivers are improving at drastic rate. Air quality is improving in metropolitan cities. This pandemic has taught us that Nature is the ultimate gift of life and it is our sole responsibility to look after it.
Self discipline has also been a very important lesson we have learnt. Exercising, reading, learning new skills, waking up early and other forms of self care are the most essential things to live a disciplined, healthy and happy life.
The uninterrupted digital connectivity of today led us not to stay monotonous. Somehow we found opportunities and solace. We found happiness in small things and learnt about people and communities from all around the world with the help of social media and the internet.
The war is far from over. The problems are incessant and never ending. Still the invisible bond of unity of humankind held us together in the time of distress. The knees are broken, but still we’re working and moving forward with our heads down and back bent. And that’s what provides me hope on this humankind. The race which will keep on finding solutions to defend itself until completely wiped off. Together, we can survive.
And this is what is worth living for.
Aiushree Mukherjee; 1st Semester BBA; Mysore Institute of Commerce And Arts
SONALI SANJAY PHADATARE
SHIVANAND COLLEGE KAGWAD
Traditional farming :A new ray of Hope
Farming is the backbone of nation. Agriculture remains the key segment for the economic development for most developing countries. It is fundamentally important for ensuring food security, alleviating poverty and conserving the vital natural resources that the world’s present and future generations will be entirely dependent upon for their survival and well-being. The world populations will inevitably double by the middle of the century. Most of the countries are having many burning problems for the agriculture production such as environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, declining of soil fertility and crop productivity, soil erosion, mountain desertification, etc. The need of the country is to be self sufficient for food, shelter and clothes. It is only possible, if efforts from all sides go in cooperation by applying all possible resources for the development of soil fertility and productivity of the country. There is widespread problem of unbalanced fertilizer use. In general, too much nitrogen containing fertilizer is being applied and too little phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. In the process of attaining higher levels of food production for matching the demand of growing population during the recent past decades, emphasis was laid on intensive agricultural practices. With the increase in crop yields from modern farming techniques reaching a area of stability in most of the countries and the environmental problems due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides becoming a matter of concern, the need for sustainable agriculture is increasingly being felt, the world over. In the view of renaissance of interest in recent years, organic farming has been considered to be a sound and viable option in most of the countries especially our country India. Organic farming seems to be more suitable it considers the important aspects like sustainability of natural resources and environment. It is a production system which favors maximum use of organic materials (crop residue, animal residue, legumes, on and off farm wastages, growth regulators, and bio-pesticides) and discourages use of synthetically produced agro-inputs, for maintaining soil productivity and fertility and pest management under conditions of sustainable natural resources and healthy environment. Hence Keeping this in view the theme Organic farming for sustainable Agriculture is been selected. There is urgent need to involve more and more scientist to identify the thrust area of research for the development of eco-friendly production technology. No doubt there are some challenges also regarding organic farming like Decline in production, Labor intensive, etc.Manual weeding
Traditional farming is a primitive style of farming that involves the intensive use of indigenous knowledge, traditional tools, natural resources, organic fertilizer and cultural beliefs of the farmers. The modern farming system has introduced synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and this has bought radical changes in the agricultural output and has boosted the economy among different sectors of people. It has also brought about valuable changes in food security and decreased the frequency of different types of diseases that are supposed to be caused due to insufficient food among people all over the globe. However, this has damaged different ecosystems and has caused different health effects among people at the same time. When they studied, with due course time, a dozen of diseases were identified and were associated with different pesticides that may find their way into the human body via water and food and farming community may inhale traces of pesticides while spraying them in their orchids and fields. The process of eutrophication that is enhanced by synthetic fertilizers significantly damages the water bodies and most of them have vanished from the earth. Hence, a shift towards organic farming is seen a way to avert these disasters. The prospects of organic farming are attractive and healthy but the restricted access in this sector are hampering the process and need to be removed by healthy policies and strategies. The promotion of organic farming requires setting of short term and long term targets taking into account sustainable development goals and agricultural practices. The improvement of soil quality and ensuring food safety and consumer health on which organic farming rests is the need of hour.In short, the key to successful organic farming resides in continuing to develop the scientific work and simultaneously in explaining and justifying the valid reasons which allow scientists to actually use these technologies for the welfare and safety of a public which is more and more concerned about the environment and its protection. Organic agriculture may not only reduce the burden of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides but may improve the quality of environment by and large. The cost of production of organic fertilizer is simply insignificant as compared to chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers can be produced from a ‘cheap raw material’ (community wastes including farm wastes) which is in plenty all over the world and is growing in quantity with the growing human population. This means organic fertilizers can be afforded by all farmers. In vermicompost, worms itself becomes an economically valuable products for the farmers to be sold to fishery, poultry, dairy and pharmaceutical industries.
The key characteristics of organic farming include
- Protecting long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels, encouraging soil biological activity, and careful mechanical intervention
- Providing crop nutrients indirectly which are made available to the plant by the action of soil micro-organisms
- Nitrogen self-sufficiency through the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation, as well as effective recycling of organic materials including crop residues and livestock manures
- Weed, disease and pest control relying primarily on crop rotations, natural predators, diversity, organic manuring, resistant
- Careful attention to the impact of the farming system on the environment and the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats
Conclusion
When it comes to traditional farming, or extensive farming as it is often known, the concept is much easier to grasp. The animals are left to do exactly what they want; roam around, graze at their leisure and live life as nature intended. Farming through this method doesn’t require the use of chemicals or pesticides, so the fields remain a high quality and the soil maintains its correct pH balance. In other words, extensive or traditional farming has very little negative impact on the environment. But it has its own limitations such as it relies upon rainfall to water the plants, so drought will be a common issue. The quantity of food produced will be less per acre, which, when combined with drought, may lead to cause starvation.
References
Ramesh, P.,Organic farming research in M.P.Organic farming in rain fed agriculture; Central Institute for dry land agriculture Hydrabad,pp-13-17. (2008)
- M. S. Swaminathan Cultivating Food For A Developing World Environ. Sci. Technol. 1992, 26, 6, 1104–1107
By Miss Mahima A Pundalik, B,Sc. III Semester, K.L.E.Society’s R.L.Science Institute Autonomous Belagavi
Traditional Farming: Boon or Bane
Introduction :
Traditional Agriculture can be defined as a primitive style of farming that involves the intensive use of indigenous knowledge, traditional tools, natural resources, organic fertilizer and cultural beliefs of the farmers. It is noteworthy that it is still used by about 50% of the world population.
Traditional Farming system is technically and technologically primitive. The Land is farmed to provide sustenance; Everything that is produced is needed for survival. One fifth of the world farms in this manner, consulting the largest part of world agriculture.
For Example:- Traditional Farming is more environmental friendly as less water is required for irrigation and natural fertilizers are used.
Double cropping, mixed cropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, use of local variety & resources with host pathogen interaction are some of the prominent traditional agricultural practices in India which have to be strengthened in view of the environment & food securities.
Characteristics of traditional agriculture:
- Extensive farming with simple tools and crops.
- Basic instruments: axe, hoe, stick.
- Methods: burn the plants in a field and sow in the ashes.
- Cattle raisin helps to create fallow land.
- In the absence of private property, public or communal land predominates.
- There is no surplus production.
The number of self-sufficient, family farms is diminishing in the developed countries, but this is not the case in developing countries in Africa and Asia.Nomadic herders are still found in the south of the Sahara Desert in Africa, and across Afghanistan and Lapland. Sheep herding is an important occupation in some areas, such as Mongolia, as a complement to agriculture.
Development of the Topic :
Agriculture has been the backbone of Indian economy since prehistoric time. Agriculture has also shaped the literature, creed & culture of the Indian society.
In the traditional Indian agriculture farmers have been known to sow as many as 15 types of crops at one time & it is the ancient food production system and the original type of agriculture it has been practiced for thousands of years.
Organic foods are more nutritious?
Proponents of organic food claim that organic foods are more healthy and nutritious compared to non-organic ones. Here again studies have shown that there is no effect on the nutrition content of the food if it is grown organically. In a nutshell, spinach is a spinach, an apple is an apple; irrespective of the way the food is grown the vitamin content will be the same.
A comprehensive study of Stanford University, USA, in 2012, which reviewed many of previously conducted studies comparing organic and conventionally grown food, found little evidence that organic foods are more nutritious. The study came to the same conclusion about organic meat products.
Organic food for human or animal consumption?
While there has been a massive campaign for incorporation of organic food in human dietary plates, the fact remains that the majority of organic feed is used by the livestock industry. With two third of world organic agricultural land growing fodder, the livestock industry is the main growth driver of organic agriculture.
Why subsidies food for rich?
Since organic foods are considered to be premium, subsidising organic agriculture amounts to subsidising rich man’s food. Policy makers should consider this before spending public money and subsidising organic agriculture.
The advantages of Traditional Farming are as follows :
- In Traditional farming the animals are left to do exactly what they want, roam around, graze at their leisure & live life as nature intended.
- Farming through this method doesn’t require the use of chemicals or pesticides, so the fields remain high quality & the soil maintains its correct pH balance.
- It requires less monetary input, & requires less skill & technological know-how.
- The crops are pure without fertilizers hence the crops are fresher & are more healthy.
- They can be sold with a higher price as it is pure.
- Helps keep the economy going.
- The wastes of the crops can be used as a fertilizer.
- The quality of produce is better and could also reduce risk of cancer.
- The soil is more balanced in nutrient distribution and texture, while milk, meat and eggs have better quality.
- The cultivable land is easily suitable for the multicrop method, as we only use the natural fertilizers.
The disadvantages of Traditional Farming are as follows :
- It takes a lot of time to get harvested.
- Decomposition takes a lot of time in traditional agriculture.
- Low technology practices, low productivity & the limited choice of crop varieties.
- Uses up too much water & land.
- Depends on weather completely.
- Farmers don’t make much money because of the profit on the crops grown or livestock raised.
- Production cost is high.
- Farmers in traditional farming have to spend mainly about 15 hours to harvest the crops compared to high-tech farming.
- Pesticides are used to prevent pests from attacking the crops. Hence plants are not so healthy.
10. Increased manual labor means lots and lots of exercise, inside and
outside the home.
Impact of traditional agriculture on Environment
The impacts of traditional agriculture on Environment are discussed below:
1. Depletion of Nutrients :
The primitive style of framing like slash and burn decreases the organic matter from the soil and within a short period of time the nutrient content of the soil taken up by the crops. This makes the farmers to move to another place for farming.
2. Deforestation :
It is the process of the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land for the conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use. The most concentrated deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests. The slash & burn, and shifting cultivation required massive cutting down of the forest which leads to the situation of deforestation.
3. Soil Erosion :
It is a process of the removal of topsoil by the natural physical forces of water and wind or through forces associated with farming activities such as tillage. The roots of the plant and trees firmly hold the soil, but the deforestation exposes the soil to get eroded by the weathering forces like rain, wind and storms which causes the loss of top fertile soil.
Conclusion :
Traditional agriculture is an extractable process where all resources- human, water & land are taken & applied to immediate use…overall economic development depends on that effective use of population and conservation of water & land as vital resources of the environment.
It has been a long standing tradition among farmers to increase production, use new technology, and learn new ways to produce more safe, nutritious food to continue to feed the increasing demand by a growing population. To be sustainable we need to improve our management of our resources which dairy farmers are constantly doing, and use our ability to improve production.
“Because of their connection to the land, farmers do more to protect and preserve our environment than almost anyone else.They are some of the best environmentalists around.” – Ike Skelton
- by SUNITHA.C , 5th SEM, B.Com, V.V.S. First Grade College
Can ethics be defined?
According to the Oxford dictionary, ethics are a set of moral principles. These principles determine a person’s behavior and their senses of right and wrong. It describes what is good and bad for an individual and how one must behave in a society. Since the beginning of civilization, it was necessary to lay down certain rules and regulations that governed how people behaved with each other to avoid chaos and hostility among them. However, according to me, ethics cannot be defined.
I believe that different people have different beliefs regarding what is acceptable and what is not. Different cultures might look at the same situation in more than one way. Let’s take an example. For instance, American companies consider whistle blowers a natural part of the business. However, the French consider a whistle blower as a person who weakens the unity among coworkers. (Whistle blowers are people who expose illegal or illicit information or activities to a public, private or government organization.) Something that might seem ethical to you might be an unethical practice in the minds of many others.
The moral conduct of a person depends on the situation they are stuck in. In some cases, there are many options before you but the morally correct option is unclear due to conflicting principles, values, ethical systems and situational perspectives. In such cases, a person goes by their instinct and follows the path that seems to be least destructive and most productive. There are severe laws against murder. However, dangerous criminals are executed and given capital punishments. This is an example of moral ambiguity where human beings choose the option that is best for majority of the people. In such cases, the line between right and wrong becomes blur and what matters is the greater good.
Ethics are subjective in nature. There are no absolute or constant standards of right or wrong. It depends on the person’s consciousness. I may think in a different way than you think in. Both of us might have a good intention but we might carry out different activities based on our thinking pattern. I feel that as long as a person does any activity with a good intention, it is ethical. According to the Indian constitution, every individual is given the right to defend under sections 96 to 126 of the penal code. When a person commits violence for defending oneself or another person, they are not answerable to the law. However, when a person commits violence to harm others, they are punished. Intentions make all the difference.
Ethics change over time. What might have been unacceptable a century ago has gained popularity over the years and has become socially acceptable. Homosexuality was considered a crime in the past and homosexual people were condemned by the society. However, today, the society has advanced and discrimination against homosexuals is socially condemned and ethically wrong. A few years from now, most of the ethical practices that we follow might become unacceptable and may be seen in the wrong light.
Based on all these arguments, I would like to conclude that ethics cannot be defined. Although human rights, freedom and honesty are agreed upon throughout the world as social ethics, I believe that ethics are more about the perspective of people. As Joseph Goebbels says, “Today, there is only one absolute thing: relativism.”
By: Arwa S Chanasmawala, Class: 10, St. Paul’s English School
Ethics
When most people think of ethics (or morals), they think of rules for differentiating between what is right and wrong, such as the
“Golden Rule”. Most people learn ethical norms at home, at school or in the their own social settings. Although most people attain their sense of right and wrong during childhood. Thus if we take into account moral development occurs throughout life as we pass through different stages of growth and maturity. Ethical norms are so diverse and universal that one might be tempted to regard them as simple common sense. On the other hand, if morality were nothing more than common sense, then one could ask the question why would there be so many ethical disputes and issues in our society? So According to me I think ethics should be defined
As ‘ethics’ can bring about a standard discipline in any area of life For instance, in the medical field when one has a standard code of ethics in terms of how a patient should be treated then one abides by it and the result can be outstanding, take for example euthanizer if no standard ethics were laid down for this practice then one cannot take the life of a patient under this pretext. Let us look at the field of research where ethics plays a vital role in terms of moral and social values, such as social responsibility, human rights, animal welfare, compliance with the law, and public health and safety. Any ethical lapses in research can significantly harm human and animal lives, students, and the public. For example, if a researcher who fabricates data in a clinical trial may harm or even kill patients. Similarly a researcher who fails to abide by the regulations and guidelines relating to radiation or biological safety may jeopardize his health and safety of many people . therefore I strongly advocate that ethical norms should be defined.
Let us not go to far away let us look at our present pandemic situation, if going by the latest news that the corona virus was created by china, we find that there has been a serious violation of ethical codes . This violation of endangering the lives of people has cost each one of us a great deal thus we find that many countries have isolated China as a serious repercussion for breaking ethical codes , so that this could be a take away lesson for anyone who apes the same. Thus we see that if we need to live in peace harmony and prosperity we need to be bound by ethical codes.
As students too since we are bound by ethical codes and not just merely driven by common sense, we find that we too toe the lie in terms of maintaining our integrity and honesty when it comes to giving up examinations, obedience and respect for our elders only because these ethical codes have been defined and ingrained in us to live upright and a meaningful life. If it weren’t for these clearly defined ethics I guess we in all our immaturity and impulsiveness would live hay wire lives.
It is because of these well defined codes of ethic we still have the “ live and let live policy” otherwise we would be at literally killing each other because of our impatience, greed and desires. It is because of these ethical codes which have been defines that we practice some self restrain in every aspect of our live.
Thus I emphatically state that ethical codes defiantly need to be defined as we could turn savage as this is what distinguishes us from animals.
– Sahaana. Bethany Junior College
Theme
Human & Earth
When the trees were cut down
The only thing I did was sit and mourn
The amount of air we pollute
These trees deserve a salute
Where will the birds build their nest
When we left nothing for them to rest
Our actions were meant to be holy
Cried those animals in melancholy
Oh human ! When all I gave you a gift
But you returned me a moody shift
Don’t turn your anger towards me
We are also meant to be free
There is no need for you to scornI will make this earth a place of adorn
What’s more fresh than Mother Nature
I am sure its not the death of creatures
You don’t need to be our solace
Because we know this is just a phase
The earth was given to you to enjoy
Not to destroy..!!!
You don’t need to create us
You don’t need to help us
You don’t need to protect us
You just stop destroying us..
WHITHER THE DAY HUMANS AND EARTH
ENTWINED
WALKING IN ECSTACY AND EBULLIENCE ?
‘TIS BUT PAINFUL MIRAGE !
SING ALONG WITH ME MORTAL
WASN’T A NIGHT WITHOUT YOU
TIS PERFECT WITHOUT YOU
TIS PERFECT WITHOUT YOU
– Nithyasree, Class 12th
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Malleshwaram
Dear Earth, you are wonderful.
There are so many things, species
Mountains, Landscapes and waterbodies
That I am waiting to be hold
You wear a coat
As green as plants
black & Brown as roads
But without the presence of human
You would be like
A restaurant without chef
I know, you have to bear all kind of people
And that is what makes you unique planet,
– Suravi B, 8th Std, Vincent Pallotti School Bangalore.
This is a wonderful relation ever; like a child and a mother.
You are the one who created our childhood memories.
Let it may be sweet or sour; you are the treasure.
You portray unity in diversity; but we destroy your
creativity.
You gave us the light to see; but we gave you the fright to
grieve.
Once you shrink; we’ll sink.
It has begun to click; that we are at the Brink;
So, be thankful to the earth as it gave us a birth.
Asha V, Mount Carmel PU College
The brink
I love to see the lush, green trees.
Watch the flowers sway in the breeze.
Where is the greenery?
Where are the flowers?
Now I wonder,
Where are these treasures?
Over population, increasing pollution,
To these problems is there any solution?
We must realize, pamper nature
If you really care for your future.
For Mother Nature’s welfare.
Let us step out and render care.
Pledge to make the Earth green.
Keep the Earth beautiful and clean.
We are the cause of the pollution.
We can only give the solution.
Each one of us can plant a tree.
That will make the Earth pollution free.
Yashita Samal Class 5th, DPS East, Bangalore
The Revolution
It was all wonder and waste,
Until one day there came haste…
The year changed, the people changed,
A smile on the faces, all arranged.
Life is leisure, with the nature,
Every moment, fit for capture.
Behaving something like we never did;
Opening the environmental lid,
Thanking the impecunious, for their deeds,
Gathering the hopeful beads.
Where before used to struggle;
Now they meet us with a giggle.
Bowing a seed of relationship,
Uniting with a kind friendship…
Being safe with a ray of faith,
Wishing you all to reach the zenith.
Anusha Agarwal Class 8th St. Paul’s English School
HEAL OUR MOTHER
THIS IS OUR WORLD…THAT IS PEARLED – WITH FACTORIES THAT POLLUTE,
TO OUR MOTHER EARTH WE SALUTE – FOR SHE BARES THIS AIR,
BUT STILL, WE WON’T SPARE–HER BEAUTY, LONG LOST, TO BUY BACK, HEAVY IT WILL COST!
HER OZONE IS DEPLEATING, AND THE SURFACE IS HEATING.
SO HUMAN, COME TO YOUR SENSE, BEFORE THE SITUATION IS IMMENSE!
SHE HAS INTOLERABELY TOLERATED THE SINS WE HAVE CREATED.
SO, PROTECT HER LIKE YOUR MOTHER, LETS DO THIS TOGETHER.
Chalana Sridhar, Class 9th, St. Paul’s English School
Humanoid Revolution
Big bang is the reason
Universe is the cause
Let’s go rise the earths formed
The day is remembered when our solar system was created,
The very first steps lasted a few hours for the most unknown cause.
The chemistry of chemicals evolved life while the destiny overlooked upon us.
The mystic aura was created in the magical blue planet.
The apes rose from the blue soil on the very blessing of the Good Fiday
Humans are the epitome cause of the disaster for the earth to cook its life again.
The three mighty God’s are going to rage on the cruel mistake.
Zeus, Poseidon and Hades will showcase their dark side and the innocence of the earth will not
be spared
The dark matter created by human folks will accelerate and there will be no way back.
Earth lived long and will stay until the Black Friday is formed.
The war goes on until the humanity is alive.
Humans are the product of 4 billion years of revolutionary success act like it.
Manogna D K, Class 11th, St. Paul’s English School
Dear Earth,
They say that you are dying,
But I want you to know
That you will survive for longer so.
They claim that it’s their fault,
And that they’re wrecking your life
They say that without them surely you’ll thrive
.
You have my affection.
You stole my heart.
But I cannot speak for the kind
Of which I am a part.
Mistakes can be forgiven
But history cannot be reversed.
What great fault did you commit
To have to endure this curse?
The cause if our downfall
Is self-made;
And you will live on
As we lie in our graves.
So keep comfort in the fact
That you will live on,
And life will not cease;
At night’s end, there’s dawn.
Life will move on, my love,
But not as we know it;
You’ll end up finding someone else,
Someone better to grow with.
Tearing much down with us as we fall;
And after we’re gone,
Slowly you’ll find
Life will move on.
Evolution will take its course,
To be reckoned with,
You’re a force.
Change is inevitable,
And once again you will live,
Hopefully with someone who not only takes but also gives.
I will meet my end
Far before you meet yours ;
Wait seven billion years
When the growing sun engulfs you in its warm embrace,
And you both become much more.
The universe is watching us, my dear,
A fate that can be reversed,
But if I fail to do so,
Let me tell you that I love you first.
So keep comfort in the fact
that you will live on,
And remember my kind and me,
If we are to be gone.
Thea Shekaran, Class 12th, Bethany High School Koramanagala
SEL Educational 