I was forced to attend a math class.

I wasn’t inclined to.

I was uninterested and bored.

But I had to do this too.

My free time was captured,

I couldn’t practice what I loved to do.

My parents said this will get me good grades.

So, I had to do this too.

My love is creating structures,

From the multicoloured blocks I have.

But that’s not in my curriculum. 

So, I was asked to leave this too.

I lost all my passion,

Nothing excited me anymore.

Life was monotonous for me.

Till something changed that too.

Understanding my parent’s expectation,

I studied harder than ever.

My score in Math got better

Which made them happy too.

I found my peace,

Making several colourful structures,

Earning praises from my parents and peers;

Contended, which inspired my creativity too.

// This poem has been penned by 12-year-old Mehaan Jain and was recited by him at the Children’s Poetry Open Mic on Mental Health organized by WICCI National Mental Health Council in association with Beyond the Box on 18th September 2021 //