This too Shall Pass

 The India poetry circle's WhatsApp group set a challenge to its members to write prose or poetry in max 200 words on specific prompts for each day for a week from 18th January to 24th January 2026.

 For 19th January 2026, the prompt was to write on the following picture: 

 Lovely, shy, tentative 

hers is the typical demeanour of a teenager

a time when you aren't child enough, or adult enough 

a time when you are confused

not sure whether you want the freedom of adult more

or the protection, reassurance and pampering of child more 

You will get over it dear, they all do

your mother, aunt , grandmother

had to pass through the phase in their own time 

and they made it to equilibrium eventually..

Is it more challenging for me? You ask

well, maybe with the advent of the social media

you are more under public scrutiny, with a need

to be always wearing the best, be it attire or a smile

Tough times throw up tough people 

not for nothing has the good lord made you Gen Z 

fearless, bold with nerves of steel!! 

What is "Contentment" for You?

Two friends, both senior citizens, were chatting up,

meeting 10 years post-retirement

they reviewed their work and retired life

against the parameter of “Contentment”


One of them continued to work post-retirement

Adorning senior positions of power & prestige

“I am still not content said he, I love to strife, contribute

Do my best till my last breath”

“Today should be more fulfilling than yesterday”


His friend seemed to have taken it easy, post-retirement

“I now have time to read, write, take music lessons

Do all the things, I denied myself while working”

“I am happy and content, prioritizing my desires & needs” he said

 

The former disagreed, “Being content” means stagnation

“You continue to be ‘alive’ when you contribute, be useful to others”

The work lives of the friends also were on similar lines- One moved up

the corporate ladder, ever pushing himself, retiring as a director


The other chose the R&D wing of company, less visible yet exciting to him

He never cared so much for taking ‘credit’ for the innovations

Was more involved and enjoyed the process of innovation, creativity

Content to spend more time with family, watch sunsets, be amidst nature


The wife of the host then entered with steaming coffee & hot samosas

“Why are you guys wasting time debating a subject so subjective?

Each of you got what you wanted, in work & retired life.

Every person is unique and driven differently: contentment

Is what you feel from the inside. If the feeling is satisfying

And you are happy, so be it! It’s non debatable” she concluded

NB: This poem was composed for and recited during the Seniors Today online Poetry Meet on 29th May 2026