Was It She Or Me Who Aged? Poem by Parisha Shukla

Once a day, thoughts of QUITTING,
It was ages before or is it just me who aged?
Hearing whispers—
'Oh girl! Don't overthink, you're just a child.'
But... how did this girl learnt to feel this way?

Back in the days, this messy, inactive Angel…
She made mistakes and advancements at the same time.
Following her years with Covid-19,
Grew an ache of anger, depression, and loneliness—
Thinking the world was completely against her.

Then that day, when tears fell…
Wait—were those the thoughts of the overthinker me again?
And that was the time I recognised
Myself, with numerous talents to shine.

Today, an orator, poet, painter—she transformed.
But never gained the courage to own the title of best person.
She changed me, my young self, but…
Why is it me writing all these things as a memory of guilt again?
Maybe… it's just me who aged—
Not my guilt.

-Parisha