Calcutta International School
Calcutta International School
Foreword Children are seeds that time has entrusted to our care. They are miracles- because they are the Present and the Future all at once, and yet they are also legacy bearers of the Past. How we shape their mind today, will be the way they re-shape their tomorrows. With this thought, we, at the Calcutta International School, intended to help them and the world to remember how the times we are living in right now, are being lived, processed and assimilated into their impressionable psyches. And thus was born the idea of an anthology of poems penned by the students of the school – right across the sections. To add to this incredible endeavour, we also added beautiful works of art made by students of this school. This compilation of word and image, records sincerely the multiplicity of perspectives of the students as they captured the nuances of being in a ‘lockdown’ for the longest time ever. Words like ‘quarantine’, ‘pandemic’, have been added to their evolving vocabulary and stand in competition with words like Hope, Togetherness and Play. They are trying to adapt to the ‘new normal’ but simultaneously dream of the ‘old times’ of sharing tiffin and playing on the field together, or running to class. Oh we miss them all, everyday, as they miss their school, friends and teachers. But we have used the anthology to keep in touch with their deepest fears, and highest hopes, and that has strengthened our resolve to keep working for them and praying for the time, 724 Anandapur will resonate with happy laughter, and the school bell ringing. Thank you to all the children who sent in their poems and art work. We appreciate your enthusiasm and that motivates us. Thank you to our esteemed panel of judges for their encouraging presence in this pan-school project. Thank you to our dear Parents for their support as well. This is a labour of love and though we are going through some very troubled times,
Love conquers all and we want our children to surge ahead into the future armed with that belief.
2020
This is Now
Calcutta International School
Judges for the Calcutta International School 2020 ‘This is Now’ Poetry Competition
Deborah Landau
Evie Shockley
is a professor and director of the Creative Writing Program at New York University.
is a professor at Rutgers University, specializing in Contemporary Poetry.
She is the author of four collections of poetry. Her awards include a Jacob K Javits Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship, and she has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered, and included on "Best of 2015" lists by The New Yorker, Vogue, BuzzFeed, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among others.
She received her BA from Northwestern University, studied Law at the University of Michigan, and earned her PhD in English from Duke University.
Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Paris Review, American Poetry Review, Poetry, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, and The Best American Poetry. Landau was educated at Stanford University, Columbia University, and Brown University, where she received a Ph.D. in English and American Literature.
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She is the author of semiautomatic, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; and the new black, which received the 2012 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award in Poetry. A Cave Canem graduate fellow, Shockley received the 2012 Holmes National Poetry Prize. She was awarded a residency at the Hedgebrook Retreat for Women Writers in 2003. Two of her poems were displayed in the Biko 30/30 exhibit, a commemoration of the life and work of anti-apartheid activist Steven Biko, which toured South Africa in 2007.
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Amay Pasari, UN-B
2020
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Calcutta International School
This is Now
Modernized Insanity by Ayushmaan Banerjee, IB1
by Kayaan Raja, 3B I never thought,
With each moment that passes, And each hour that flies by, Staring through the window of nothingness, The roads are empty.
Life would stop being what it was. We lived so freely before, Never thought we needed to pause. I’ve heard from my mother, Over a century ago, a pandemic of this sort was a big bother, I wondered about that time, and asked her to tell me stories, I asked ‘How was it? Was it just like this for the others?’ She said it was called the Spanish Flu, And yes, though a different time, The same problems were faced by them too. I asked what happened to the children then? She said, ‘The same, life stopped, and started again’. I found some hope in what she said, What goes away, can come back on the road ahead. Maybe all will not be so full of gloom, There will be joy and freedom will bloom. She said we must wait and follow the rule And you’ll see, you will soon be back in school! I believe her, and look forward with hope.
It’s like the winter never left us, And the summer never wanted to stay, We’ve been struck with a curse, In which the predators, Have turned into prey. With coffee on window sills, and noses glued to screens, Rooms full of people, Although none of them seem to speak. Masks that hide smiles, And eyes that seem so hollow, Sanitizers that don’t solve the problem, Of what should be called “Modernized insanity”. Did you start to feel it? The heaviness in the air? Who knew that one day, This air would learn to kill. So with each moment that passes, And each hour that ticks by, I stare through the window of nothingness, Because the roads are empty… And I hope they won’t be soon.
This is not going to be the end of the rope. We must be patient and wait for the storm to pass. We will surely see much greener grass.
2020
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Calcutta International School
This is Now
Lavik Agarwalla, N-B
by Bhhavesh Mukim, 4B This is now, our world is sick With Corona virus at its peak, We are worried about the virus, And have to live with this menace. Our schools are shut, Our activities are cut, We are home quarantined,
And are very fatigued, Of staying at home all the time And waiting to go out and have soda-lime. But we have learnt the value of relationships, Of staying with our family and enjoying small tips, To play games together and spend quality time, And be happy without complaining all the time. Today, Mother Earth is very happy and bright,
To breathe in this new delight, For the air is fresh now,
Nightmares
And there is no pollution but how?
by Devanshee Ruia, 5B
They say mother nature is rebooting itself,
I have nightmares about lizards and flies ,
And making this world restart afresh,
I have nightmares about rare mosquito bites ,
Where love is all we need
But the worst of all I must admit
And money cannot provide any relief. So let's fight and live today,
Is when I wrote nothing on my test paper, but you have to submit!
And remember the bright sunny days
The next day of course I got zero
Let’s create a brand new tomorrow,
But guess what , my mother didn’t even let me touch my Oreos
A world full of happiness and no sorrows. So, here’s to a future which is nice and warm,
Instead I had to have plain yucky milk
Far, far away from the ravaging storm,
That night she didn’t even let me wear my favourite blue dress made of silk
The sun shines bright and all the flowers bloom,
As my alarm rang ,
May God quickly take away all the Gloom!!!
My horrible dream went bang !
2020
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Climate changing
by Prakhar Jain, 2A
Weather forecast seems complicating!
Yesterday seems like a dream!
This is now!
World Lockdown so sudden, Economy closed
Home bound and locked,
They say Corona in the air
Family, Games, Music
People indoors
Our new friends
Doctors our superhero’s
Roads all Empty
Army all around
No more Honking
Life on masks
No more rush and go
This is now!
No more sounds of alarm ticking around This is now!
Schools closed e-learning our new learning
Families getting restless!
Friends around no more
People homeless and jobless
Tiffin and short break talk a lost dream
Government unable to do anything
Football field empty
Silence all around , voices echoing
Sports all suspended
Thousands left helpless and dying
This is now!
Is it just a tip of the iceberg? “Heal the world, Oh! Lord”
Washing your hands never was so important!
This is now!
Sanitizers all around Cough, Sneeze, Fever never got us more scared! Vaccine unfound No handshake nor hug
‘Social distancing’ our new moto This is now! Fierce cry of Winds piercing trough windows Thunder Raging the night sky Nature howling for help Anoushka Ganguli 5b
2020
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Calcutta International School
Coronavirus and Amphan
By Alveena Fatima Jawade, 4B Corona virus and Amphun, Like two peas in a pod. If you were to eat them, They would taste rather odd. Both are affecting people badly. There is nothing you can do about it sadly. Corona virus is roaming around,
Completely free. Everywhere you go, It is buzzing around like a bee. Amphun has passed, Leaving its devastation behind. Millions of trees have fallen down, Debsingha Sirkar, 9
Look around and you will find. Corona virus should be behind bars!
by Devyansh Shah, UN-A
It seems as if this virus,
The corona can finish any day
Has come all the way from mars.
It is not here to stay
This lockdown is sad.
So keep your self safe and rest
We could have been doing so much more.
Dont go out that way you will be the best
Now people are mostly busy,
I have a very nice music playlist
Washing dishes and mopping the floor.
So I pass my time like this I eat some candies .
Even though this lockdown is helping our planet,
I watch some television
To heal and get better each day.
And eat some good food
But I still wish,
So I am in a good mood
That Covid-19 would go far far away!
I miss my friends but
Let us make good of this lock down.
I dont want my friends sick
By spending time with our family,
Animals are the best creatures
Let us sail through this lockdown
Let's tell zoo keepers to take care of
Smoothly and happily!
Them so they also don't get the virus.
2020
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Calcutta International School
This is Now
Rayerth Kejriwal, 1B Time once lost is lost forever, It can never be regained It can never be covered So live and laugh love and run Time and tide waits for none, This is Now,
Full of Wow. Take a deep breath look around, Birds are chirping Sky is Blue People are quarantined Yet they are getting through This is Now Full of wow So much to ponder So much to think So much to give So much to live Change is constant Embrace the Wow This is Now
Isabel Archment, 7B
Full of wow Coz whatever the situation is We are safe in our house and that is a WOW!!
2020
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Piya Sawhney, 10
This is Now By Tanay Rampuria, 3B IT IS NOT VERY PLEASANT
BIG BOON.
AT THIS VERY MOMENT, IN THE PRESENT
NOW WE SHALL SEE WHAT THE BOON IS
BUT HAVE NO FEAR
AND THE BOON IS… THIS
AS THIS PROBLEM WILL SOON BE MERE. WE STILL HAVE THE WARM SUNLIGHT
THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM WILL COME SOON
AND SOON WE WILL PUT EVERYTHING ALL RIGHT
AND AGAIN, ASTRONAUTS WILL BE ABLE TO GO TO THE MOON.
WE DID NOT TAKE CARE OF MOTHER NATURE
SO, LET’S PLEDGE TO BUILD OUR ECONOMY
AT LEAST, NOT THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FEATURE.
JUST WAIT, AND SEE THE FUN
WITH OUR WILL POWER WE WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING TO THE OPPOSITE OF SOUR
SO THAT EVERYONE CAN LIVE IN HARMONY THAT, WE WILL HAVE UNDER THE SUN. WE WILL ONCE MORE BE ATTENDING OUR BELOVED SCHOOL IN ORDER TO NOT BE A FOOL.
EVERYBODY SHALL BE JOYOUS SOON BECAUSE THE ALMIGHTY WILL GRANT US A
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Calcutta International School
Consequences
a time like this
by Jaheen Hossain, 9A
by Veda Jain, AS
It lurked in the midst of us all,
Empty roads, ravished supermarkets, birthdays left uncelebrated
Nobody noticed its presence, Till it became the cause of our downfall. Some say it’s a curse, some say blessing,
News flashes, white masks, the death toll is skyrocketing
But one thing remains true,
No matter who I text, I never feel fully happy or satiated
This was the result of our breeding.
Distancing socially but ultimately also mentally
It ravished through our world like a fire,
Feeling lonely together in our own homes
Leaving only misery in its trail,
Cower between brick walls and sulk all day
Showing no signs of tire.
After a while I will stop picking up my phone
The warnings were always present,
And lie down and cry about a situation like this
But man in its greediness,
Remember our old lifestyle, a hedonistic bliss?
Did neither stop nor were hesitant.
There’s a poor, penniless kid crunched up on my street corner
Now we must face the consequences, Of our regretful actions, And serve our sentences. Should our ways not mend, There is little hope for man, Unless we work to make amends.
Fired from his cleaning gig because the family couldn’t afford him any longer He will never know such comfort of having Friends to run from or a bed to cry on When I think about the world he is lacking And all that the world itself is lacking From political security to economic stability I feel in myself the silent burn of newfound determination To lend my hands, do a little charity Wipe some tears and use my voice
Help people to once again rejoice For a future that will one day come Where I can finally hug my friends And tell them that it has all come to an end
Prakhad Drolia, 9B
2020
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Calcutta International School
My Cycle
Think Positive
by Ishaan Jalan, 1A
by Ahaan Jalan, 1B
My Cycle is very Good,
These times are very bad
Every time I ride it
I am feeling very sad.
It puts me in a good mood.
It is said that the virus can kill us,
The handle is bright Green
We must not make a fuss.
In the mornings
Stay at home, maintain distance
I ride it to the stream.
Things will improve, have patience
My Cycle has six gears
Don’t be lazy
I have been
Else you’ll become crazy.
Riding it for two years.
Rather than being a couch-potato
One day I took my dog for a ride
You could learn to grow Tomato.
Oscar barked on the slope
I know that times are bad
As we glide.
It has turned me into a family lad.
In the Lockdown I can cycle much more
Don’t be Negative
Watch me,
Think Positive.
Here I go.
Corona Virus Go Away by Aaryav Gujral, Nursery-A I am at home all day, And it’s already the end of May! I want to go out to play I miss my friend’s everyday When will the corona virus go away? Oh! Mother Nature what do you say?
Atharva Baid, 3B
2020
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Calcutta International School
My Lockdown Diary
by Rudra Kedia, 1B
I have not touched the lovely green grass
I am not enjoying lockdown
As I have now stopped going
It makes me feel down
To my favorite football class
I am missing my school And the swimming pool
Online study is not my style
Which keeps me super cool
All my homework is in file Covid-19 is dangerous for life
Safety is the only key,
Everyone keeps saying every time
Boost my immunity
Take precaution you will be fine
become my first duty Oh! God please tell me
Yes I am not liking lockdown
Why my mom is always after me
God please help us now Everyone promise to you
Outdoor game has become ban
We will not play with the nature
Indoor game has become my friend
And keep it green and blue.
2020
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Calcutta International School
My Fort
by Advay Bansal, 3B
by Eira Jhunjhunwala, Nursery-A
Stay home, stay safe , seems to be the slogan now. God knows why, when or how?
I built a fort to protect me
Spring gone and summers here I miss doing activities I hold dear! No more school bells heard chimming, I sit here thinking, what next to be rhyming.
from a cyclone and coronavirus It looks like a big shield curtain. The shield protects us
Stories of the virus spreading steadily, This virus is scary, it is deadly. So stay home, stay safe, seems the slogan now. God knows why, when or how? Humans struggle, caged in their homes While animals I see, freely roam! Mother nature seems to be glad while we humans are going mad. The planet sure looks greener, as people seem serious about being cleaner !
The curtains are like a house It’s very comfy It’s very warm and cozy I hope the doctors make coronavirus Go away!
Times so bad, times so sad, Mom says there is plenty for us, to be glad! People go hungry, walking miles Or waiting in the hospital isles. Comfortably tucked in bed as I lay, for those unfortunate people I pray! So stay home, stay safe , seems the slogan now. God knows why, when or how? Days seem long, to never end Sleeping late is the new trend. Watching my favourite documentary shows , I’ve always wondered why a jellyfish glows! So stay home, stay safe, Seems the slogan now. God knows why, when or how?
2020
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Calcutta International School
This is Now
Lockdown Time
by Dibyesh Sanyal, 5B
by Praanjayy Gupta, 8A
This is now when people believe there is no hope, The only cure is washing hands with soap. This is now when we are stuck at home, But, this is also when you spend time with parents in this zone. It’s good and bad, all at the same time We all want to escape from this crime. This virus is so inauspicious And also very furious. But still, there is less of pollution and the animals are seen again All coming out of their chains We might be unhappy because it has ceased many of our duties, But mother nature has released many beauties. We can’t really help it, we have to follow the rules
But, there will be one day when we end this and open schools. One day this virus shall yield, Because it won’t anymore break through our shield. We must stay strong, And prove it wrong. We must be persistent to defeat the virus, Let’s move this word out of “ thesaurus”. Teamwork will get us through, And the world will be as good as new. Wash hands, stay home and avoid crowds, Jagrat Hada, 5A
To hear again the sweet sounds. Hope this world goes back to normal, And the virus vanishes through its portal.
2020
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Calcutta International School
My Superpowers
Destination Arrived
by Ishir Jhunjhunwala, 1A
by Ranjan Kothari, 9A I walked the road at night,
Sequence. Needs a little strategy Needs a little focus Needs a lot of time
Every wind streak, Gave me shivers and fright. I hoped I would reach my destination fast, But the world around me seems creep and dark.
Needs a lot of family. I feel joyful when we play.
Until I stumbled upon a friend, The immense feeling of hope and pride,
My massage business Gives people energy. Gives people a minute to be calm Gives me lots of money
Made me turn, My head behind, I thought it was fine, But then came, What I had dread!
Gives me strength. I feel proud about it.
I fell in a deep ravine, I fell and broke me precious dream.
Fighting coronavirus needs a little strategy, a little focus,
So ran again to achieve my dream, Until I stumbled upon who I thought was a friend.
a little time, a little family. Now I have energy, I am calm, I have money, I have strength. I can help fight coronavirus.
Ruheen Hissain, 3B
2020
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Calcutta International School
Unfair parts of life
by Sneha Purkayastha, 7B When you think that the year will go well And it turns out brutal . When you turn around and see nobody is beside you And realise that you are an isolated individual . When you work hard and see failure
And find disapproval of friendship without any reason . You realise that life has an unfair behaviour . You feel that life has made an act of treason . When you raise your hand but is not seen at all . When you’re lost in thoughts like a tiny fish in a waterfall . As you take a breath of polluted air , And watch the world slowly crumble in despair . You realise that life is not always up to your wishes .
Vaanya Baid, 3A
When you watch the stained river ripple amounts dead sturgeons , And hear the cry of birds fading away . When you see the innocent creature rot away in dungeon. Your realise how cruel life can be by letting the innocent perish away , Like a burning cigarette cooling on an astray . With all the sadness and depression in the world We can sum it up by saying :Life is not always what you would expect . But with a little hope, hard work and dedication You will always reach the pot of gold at the end of the road .
2020
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Calcutta International School
Untitled
Lockdown Covid-19
by Arjun Bagaria, G26
by Tejveer Singh Mangat, 1A
We can’t go outside in the lockdown
I want to go outside ,
Wash your hands when you come from outside
Want to go to park and take a car ride.
Stay away from people and corona virus
I feel like I am in a prison,
I miss school and my friends
Without any reason.
But i have fun playing on the terrace with my other friends
Our doctors and nurses are the real heroes who help us. To make covid-19 zero.
Mamma and I make yummy pancakes with choco chips
Covid-19 the war will stop , you will go like your brothers and sisters,
I stay at home and play games with Papa
when the Vaccine drops will be found.
I miss going out in the car but its fun to stay at home The Time Is Now by Zoya Azim, 3B by Lavyaa Agrawal, 2A
The time is now to stop wandering, The time is now to make a change. It is the time to stop thinking about what you could do And think about what you should do instead. It is our time, The time is now !
Eira Jhunjhunwala, Nur-A
2020
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Calcutta International School
This Is Now
by Harsh Kumbhat, A2 In the corner of my ceiling, I see myself sitting Sitting in my window, peering out longingly
by Ruheen Hossain, 2B This is now and compare it to The time before,
A look of yearning spread across my face A small child walks the tree-strewn roads, crying in the floods
So please open the door Which leads to the cure
I hope to help him, but like him, I too am helpless
COVID-19 has kept us tight,
Stranded, trapped, nowhere to go
Hoping that we win the fight
On the other side of the ceiling, a man gasps for air
To save our preciouslives
An officer holds him down, unrelenting and
And not meet a terrible demise
uncaring
In this lockdown, I have one dream
With his last breath, the man begs for a shred of relief, tears in his eyes
To get freedom,we scream
His lungs give out and his eyes flutter shut
Feeling like to go out to roam.
As I’m bored at home,
I reach out to help him, but like him, I too am helpless Stranded, trapped, nowhere to go All over the ceiling, it is different, yet similar I look everywhere and I wish to help, but like them all I too, am helpless
Quarantine Quarantine by Vedang Shah, 3A You are so boring, If we find out ways you could be so interesting!
Stranded, trapped, and nowhere to go. And yet, there is hope.
You are teaching us how animals feel in a zoo, But I am enjoying being at home too! You are making people sick from tension And when is this going to end there is no mention. My head is becoming the biggest dump yard staying inside you, But what to do I am stuck with you! Corona Virus, only if these people hid from you,
Kiyan Bulsara, 3B
Quarantine, then only we can get rid of you.
2020
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Calcutta International School
This is Now
We can start with some help
by Karan Jhunjhunwala, 5B
And then we can understand the process
It’s a perfect day
And not do excess
For the trees to sway
We can go to virtual school
But the world has changed
And use some creative tools
Humans are dying from Covid-19 what can we do to stop it?
But we hope for the lockdown to end So we can do what we tend
We can build our immunity by eating healthy food We can go out only if needed
I know you will ask how
We can take a bath after returning from outside These are the ways to stay safe from the virus I hope you follow these precautions too! This is just the starting But the cases are increasing The precautions are to follow And the world is full of sorrow This is the perfect time To learn new things and Open our creative self
Let’s make it end now
With the precautions I have given you The whole world should follow Then the death of the virus will be secure And we won’t need to cure Because prevention is better than cure We have to save ourselves From getting lured from the virus I hope you all understand
United we will stand To stop the virus pandemic
Avika Kejriwal, 2A
2020
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This is Now
No one knows when a vaccine for this fatal virus can be found,
by Kaavin Raja, 6B To me it seems, life is going to be totally different from how we knew it before, The pandemic and it’s after effects, will leave the planet sore.
It is a long road ahead, that is completely bound. I know my life will change too, even when school and sports start anew. Social distancing will be the norm,
People from all walks of life will have to rethink how But I hope in a way life doesn’t feel like being helpthey will survive, lessly sucked up into a cyclonic Many things will change, much will be a compromise, storm. But, right now we can only hope, that the world will again thrive.
This period of the lockdown has opened up a new world of learning, I have learnt many new skills that support the act of living. Helping around the house, getting through the chores, Makes me feel independent, more selfreliant as compared to before. Earlier empty moments would be a real bore, But now I feel I enjoy my own company more. I do wish that life goes back to its same pace and flow, And our world recovers from this unprecedented blow, People are able to roam around freely and visit places they want go, I do wish one can have fun and life can be free, just as it was, a little while ago. But also I pray, when things are back to where they were, We live more responsibly, eat more thoughtfully and always remember, The lessons learnt in this hard time, which had our life curled This may be our last chance at a reset button to a more beautiful world.
Tejovrisho Guha , 10A
2020
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Calcutta International School
The poet’s dilemma
With that, she signs off,
by Archisha Dasgupta, 9A
‘Regards, your poet.’
sitting among the daisies, beneath the yews,
sitting on her bed, beneath the ceiling fan
the poet has grown tired of expressing her views
all she has is her dwindling attention span
instead of writing, she stares past the crystal brook
the poet can’t look further than her windowpane
she’d have plenty to write about if she bothered to look
without her poetry, she’s gone slightly insane
the moss is overgrown and the wildflowers are grey
her hair is overgrown and all her clothes are grey there’s no more poetry material than all the yesterdays
well, there’s no material for poetry today. ‘Dear you,’ she types, unable to hear an echo, ‘Dear you,’ she types, the soft clicks echoing, ‘I’m afraid there’s nothing poetic in the way the wind is blowing. This place is imperfect, its flaws spread wide I let them consume me like the tallest tide. It would be wonderful if the trees would sway If the wind hissed and spluttered and swept me away
If these songbirds carried me back down the lane If I could go back home, where it’s much less mundane.’
‘I’m afraid I missed my chance to hear the wind blow. This home is perfect, but perfect isn’t real This tide is numbing, it is perfection I can’t feel. I wish I were out there, swaying with the trees Not to be swept away by the cool spring breeze But just to walk, to walk down the lane To see what lies behind the mask of mundane.’ With that, she signs off ‘Regards, me.’
Devyansh Shah, UN-A
2020
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Calcutta International School
Survival
The Cessation of Normalcy
by Ashwin Chowdhury, 3B
by Sreejoni Mazumder, 10B
With Coronavirus
we peek from our windows,
Knocking on our door,
down at the torpid rows
We can’t go out
everything’s halted
Even to the local store!
the sounds echo.
We passed our days
the milkman’s cycle,
Lockdown in place
the postman’s scooter,
But something horrible was looming
the businessman’s car
With Amphan picking pace.
in endless limbo.
I saw enormous dark clouds
the lamps left unlit
Calling out my name
nobody lights them;
Whistling on the horizon
touching the metal
To join the deadly game.
could cause them to settle
It went on and on
in the muck, mire and marl.
From day until night,
the garden weeds long overgrown,
That dangerous cyclone
the branches emerge from stone,
Raged on with all its might
we all moan
The wind was howling
but we do not move
And whirling round and round
we leave them alone,
Trees were falling down
and hope
Uprooted from the ground
they soon get blown.
I woke up with a heavy heart
but if we take a glimpse up above
And shed a little tear
the clouds glide across like a dove,
‘cause our beloved Neem tree
the birds soar,
Has fallen down, oh dear!
the wind roars,
A new day will bring
finally!
A hope to survive,
the air no longer reeks of humans!
New plants will bloom
they cackle in glee and watch
And Mother Earth will revive.
as we stare up at them from our cells in our homes
2020
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Calcutta International School
by Ayush Saraf, IB1
The hours pass silently Sitting in a chamber They pass slowly In a mocking pace The markets remain empty Closed since I can remember Like the roads of the city I once walked upon
The pangs of the sombre news I can still clearly hear The time where life skewed Right before my eyes Cloudy is the future Filled with ambiguity As the wheel is now punctured Stopping the life of man
Sanaiya Punwani, 5A
2020
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Calcutta International School
by Daanya Narsinghani, Nur A
Nature
by Avyukt Fatesaria, 1B The rocks, the sky and the trees The fields, the cows and the butterflies Life is so beautiful it seems. The nature is calling The ants are crawling The birds are chirping And the nature relaxing.
No pollution anywhere Social distancing everywhere. We can keep the forest clean And the fresh air clean. So let us make people aware And make a clean atmosphere.
2020
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Calcutta International School
Staying At Home
This is now
by Shivani Bhunia, 6A
by Aaradhya Didwania, 2A
Oh dear!
Oh! the world has come to a standstill,
There is so much fear
Is nature trying to tell us something?
All around us
We need to be responsible towards Mother Earth,
All we are doing is making a fuss.
Because we must keep her healthy and worth.
Staying at home is dull
There is no one on the field,
We all have to work from home
To play with me.
And now I feel as boring as a gnome
But I keep on humming.
Who invented COVID-19?
From room to room like a bumblebee
I’m just moving back and fro
I hate to wear masks,
When will this disgraceful lockdown get over?
because they make me sweat.
So that I can go back to my wonderful school
But precaution is better than cure
Oh when will it leave?
Why to face the threat?
And let us live in peace
I look forward to seeing my friends soon,
Thank you
In that same school field. I will keep my Green House PE Shirt safe, Until the lockdown is unsealed.
Corona is here
And some others are lying
by Vedika Gupta, 3B
So there is no denying
The Corona Virus is here
That our Earth is crying
But we don’t have to fear
The virus is making us think
We must find a medicine for it
That we have reached a brink
Although it will take a bit
Let’s give our Earth what it’s given to us
People are giving fake news
And not make a fuss
But we also to hear, refuse
Lets learn to live better
We need to change for sure
And not just be a go getter
and we need to hate no more
I know these days will pass
While nations were fighting
Soon I’ll see my friends in class
The oceans and trees were drying
Go away corona virus forever
Some people are dying
We will never be together
2020
This is Now
25
Calcutta International School
One Day a Time Will Come
by Saswata Chowdhury, 8A
While the Almighty keeps on crying with the tears of blood rolling down,
The world was a nice place -
I do believe one day a time will come………
Till the time we invented the tools and mastered the art of warfare
The world was a nice place -
We tamed and killed, slaughtered and slaved, and instilled the sense of fear,
Till the time we sowed the seeds of power, lust, greed and luxury in our inner self
Fought battles and wars, revolutions and rebellions,
With this we lost pristine beauty, as the thick black smoke of the devil swallowed oneself,
Saw the fall of Troy and the Berlin Wall, with our hands and feet soaked in bloods of billions,
We made bunglows, drove luxury cars, went on vacations and ate at Malls
From the expeditions of Alexander to the rules of the Nazis, the Hiroshima and the Napolean
While the less privileged begs for a meal - hoping one day the blessings from the sky to fall,
The extremism and the terrorism, the fanatics and the lunatics all in one,
Strength of Hercules and the wits of Einstein and Newton are now too old with the advent of biochemical warfare That’s the reason why the birds had stopped chirping while Wordsworth searches for the solitary reaper,
But I do believe one day a time will come…… The world was a nice place Till the time we invented our faith, belief, religion, custom and ritual
I do believe one day a time will come………
We forgot Mother Nature and the Supreme Power as we got entangled performing ceremonial,
With Romeo & Juliet, Orpheus and Eurydice and the Taj Mahal as an epitome
The world was a nice place -
Started spreading divinity and spirituality to attain en- Till the time we had the villains who broke the hearts lightenment mastering the art of maneuverability and scorched the lives of some, With the help of fear, conversion, accession and auLove which cares no boundaries and time, and moves thority, freely as the air passes through the chime We pray before the stones, the walls, the pillars to attain salvation
At times gets caged on the pretext of mindless games, status and social designs, The heart cries, the mind weeps and the body shakes – for we all beggars for a little appreciation
Since we do not know when a day will come when we bid farewell and stand in the line, When do we realize that the time has come
Neera Surana, PN-A
2020
This is Now
26
Calcutta International School
The Poem on Covid-19 in India
Lockdown Winds
by Rajanya Deb, 5A
by Yuvaan Agarwal, 2B
In a fine summer dawn
Winds blew South to North
India found freedom gone,
Winds went round and round
Reason being a virus, Flying on!
Twisting,Gurgling, Whistling..
Initially, it was fun
Winds came with rain
Baking cakes and Bun,
washing the world down.
Hand Sanitizer and mask,
Winds went up and down
Became life’s essential part.
Winds flooded houses
Classroom fun gone,
Winds broke many trees
virtually it was all done.
Whooshing, Shaking, Turning
Soon all started to get bored,
Winds came with rain
No cars and vehicles were on the road!
washing the world down.
Migrants walk from far away, What to do they think and say? No helpers to be seen from anywhere, Lockdown Blues
All they have to sit and stare.
by Devasya Ramani, 2A
Children with bare feet,
This is now a strange tale,
Have no idea what they need
Everyone is trying not to fail,
Elders need to feed their kids
The virus has affected everyone,
How to help them with all their needs?
The rich and poor leaving none,
Then the Government starts to think, With politicians, debaters and other men and things
The poor have little food to eat, And sometimes no shoes to cover their feet.
To find out a way to help the needy and stray.
My school is closed and I cannot go,
Hope soon coronavirus will be gone
My Papa is home, trying to go with the flow.
And everyone will rise and have some fun!!
My mom is working all the while, And we are trying to help with a smile. But the air is clean, the skies are clear, And the cars are less, I guess out of fear. The birds are chirping, Mother Nature has a glow, And from the terrace, one evening I saw a rainbow.
2020
This is Now
27
Calcutta International School
LOCKED DOWN
Learning at home during lockdown
by Anaya Chatterjee Dante, 3B
by Eleena Khan, 5B
I feel terrible during lockdown. Everyone is roaming about with a frown. There are days when I feel very sad. Other days are not too bad. I worry about my dogs and cats,
It has been a while since quarantine I feel lazy and sleepy all the time I don't know when it will end Because I miss my school friends
There is a tree outside full of bats.
To make myself happy and busy
I dream about meeting my Dad.
I make a dish messy
He is away and I feel so sad.
Still I always try my hand on food
Waiting for the day we are free again.
But when I see cheese, I get into the pizza mood
Praying to god to take away the pain. I miss my friends and my school. Meeting them again would be so cool. So let us join our hands and pray.
Next I think of cleaning the house I screamed my lungs out when I see a mouse Then a bright idea, let’s do some mopping Like a rock star, I use the mop as a mic
When the world will be bright and gay. Finally! I receive good news! My virtual school is my new muse I get to see all my teachers and friends Oh no! Just 3 days a week ... what an end! I am thankful to my teachers Taking time out to teach me In this tedious lockdown And I started having interest in studies The air is fresh and the ozone layer has healed Birds chirp happily and water is pollution free Aaradhya Didwania, 3A
I am thankful to God I have learnt so many new things We will never get a time to relax and sing!
2020
This is Now
28
Calcutta International School
Covid and learning the game!
So stay distanced until further notice
by Prakhar Drolia, 8B
Or your health may not feel well
Covid 19 is its name
The world will resume
All it wants to do… Is play a game
And we will have to too
Inspired by Hide and Seek
We can’t stay in our holes forever
Who hides Who seeks!
We have got to venture out too
The rules are not what they may seem
So, we got to learn a lot
Hide and Seek may be the inspiration but
To be seen but hidden, be close but far
It won’t come to seek ‘cause it’s got a lot of work to do
To be helpful but not harmful, support doctors but not the virus
But that doesn’t mean… you go out to seek
To support all but none
‘Cause then you won’t be able to even properly breathe
We have got to learn a lot
It was all about hiding,
The game, the virus, the rules, the truths The warriors, the strategies
Seeking was never in the game
The virus, the feelings, the support, the Game
Tag is definitely involved till the last stretch of its fame
Covid is its name, It wants to play a game.
After all, secrets are none in the game And Distancing is the golden smart lane It may seem as if the Lockdown And the QUARANTINES are killing you now But think about how they Have prevented you foe Covid literally killing you forever now It won’t come to seek you And you shouldn’t do it as well
Mihiri Basu Mahagama, 8
2020
This is Now
29
Calcutta International School
My New Best Friend
by Akshan Shahdeo, 2A So Sweet So Cute My Lovely Dog
On me it jumps to play a trick
Comes along when I go for Jog
Every game it learns so quick.
Fluffy Clurly its Hair looks Nice
Senses the stranger before the ringing bell.
When it jumps after the ball twice or thrice.
Wonder I, how could it smell?
With rising Sun and Chirping Birds
Whole Day it's always Around. The Best Friend I have ever found.
Wakes me up barking till I have heard. This is how I am feeling now by Sammagnah Bardhan, 3B
the artist Roy Lichtenstein.
One day in Wuhan in 2019 year everyone was shout- I am assisting mummy in her daily chores also ing Corona is here! Corona is here! Corona is here! maintaining the do’s and don’ts. We need to stand against it tough as any pioneer. From Wuhan to India and all over the world it came, so fast that nobody could tame.
We are helping each other in our family by sharing our work equally.
We are eating different varieties of food always For Corona the whole world is in lockdown also in my according to our mood. house which is none other than Newtown. I am clicking pictures and videos of myself, be it a I am feeling sad as I cannot meet my friends but I do bug or an ant crawling by itself. not wish to be infected from both ends. It is good that the earth is getting time to heal, growing strong again like steel.
Audio books and eBooks have now become my closest friends, there is never a dull moment with them.
I am watching movies like all the other boys and of I am taking advices from mummy, the tricks of filling course playing with my toys. up my tummy. They take me into a different land, in that land there are many beaches filled with loads of sand. The daily regime of exercise will keep me in proper shape and size. A storm which came recently did not handle Bengal decently.
Pirates and fantastical beasts, they come in my dreams to have a feast.
The storm’s name was Amphan but it was not at all fun.
In these troubled times we have learned to admire nature, as we think she is our teacher.
I am watching T.V at home as I am lucky the dish didn’t get blown!
I really hope that the victims of Corona get well soon,
I am finding ways to keep myself busy with art and craft, music and fun activities. I am making crafts which are very fine inspired from
2020
I pray to god to give us this boon. We all know that we are into lock down but soon people will say CORONA DOWN! CORONA DOWN! CORONA DOWN!
This is Now
30
Calcutta International School
This is Now
by Khyaati Kothari, 3A The world is in lockdown, And all the stores are shutdown. Recycle resources and stop pollution, That’s the best solution. It is the corona virus that is spreading around, Lets all grow fresh plants in the ground. This deadly virus is also known as the Wuhan virus,
Yuvaan Agarwal, 2B
Save the universe and shout in chorus. Corona Corona, oh! What a groaner, Hope all this disaster ends sooner. There is fear all around and less buying, Here are people dying and babies crying. When we are in the lockdown it feels like jail, And nothing seems to be on sale.
Grand moms and Grand dads cant see me, But safety really is the key. But wait, look on the bright side, So many more things to do all day and night. Lots of time my family puts me into glee, This is the time we can all be free. Some are becoming master chefs, some showing their art,
Together all are making snacks and tarts. Lets thank all the Corona Warriors for saving us. This is the journey of staying together without one another.
Subhrajit Chakraborty, 4
2020
This is Now
31
Calcutta International School
This is Now
Lockdown Days
by Haiqa Amir, UN-B
by Shivam Himatsingka, 3
Me and my dad,
In this lockdown I play
Are very sad,
The piano and feel very gay.
We are at home
It’s raining and thundering,
Can’t go out and roam.
And it’s scary every day.
I want to play,
Pollution is less and the air is very clean,
Jump and run,
The grass in the garden is so green.
Have some fun,
Spending time with family is my aim…
Under the sun.
In the evening we play a game.
Miss my teachers.
I love this time of lockdown days
Miss my school
Because you know I love to laze.
Miss my friends Together we looked cool. This Very Boring Lockdown by Ranvir Jhunjhunwala, 4
by Vivaan Siotia, 3A This very boring lockdown I have done nothimg but put my sockdown, drinking water from a flask and wearing a really long mask. Keeping distances of meters, drinking water in litres. It is like being behind the bars when you cannot go out in cars. Reading the same old book and learning how to cook. The only thing I learnt, in, This very boring lockdown.
2020
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Calcutta International School
This is Now...
That animals have reclaimed our streets,
by Natasha Roy, 3B
And that the pollution has left us in a swift pass!
This is now a time everyone is in their houses,
This is now a memory,
As this is an isolation,
We’ll remember all our lives,
We are all playing games reading books,
And in the future we’ll be happy,
And now online is our only communication.
If we kept this memory in our archives!
This is now a time a dangerous virus is living in our world,
This is now a time we might never seek again,
Showing us how we kept destroying nature, How we’ve grown pollution,
So utilize the time fully till then! Enjoy this time in your dens,
But don’t forget to also be, a responsible citizen!
And ruined animals’ culture. This is now a warning, Said by Corona no other, If you don’t share the world after you’re let out, You’re in serious trouble brother!! This is now a moment you shoud spend time with family,
You can watch a movie, Bake a cake, And dance around with glee! This is now a PURFECT momentum, To think outside the box, Time to be super creative And if your creation fails, then just tightly pull up your socks! This is now a history book, All your children are reading, They will learn how corona kept pulling us back, But how we still kept leading! This is now an enjoyment,
Shreya Ghosh, 10A
That our world is healing fast,
2020
This is Now
33
Calcutta International School
The Cyclone Amphan
An Alien Now
by Sanaya Gupta, 2A
by Ruhani Duttagupta, 8A
Cyclone Amphan came with great fury And it was very unruly Children everywhere feared As the wind could loudly be heard!
This is Now. When we see our friends on distant screens No touch, no hugs, no one to wipe our tears. A brazen world with its dark side unravelling, An unending curfew,
While lights were flickering
A disease plaguing the earth - it’s reason baffling,
The building was shaking
Where is the world we once knew?
Soon the power went out And we all ran about The sky was angry and black
This is Now. An inscrutable Mars. Glimpses of fear in the eyes of a locked-up local, Familiar streets, now strange without cars Shadows of people who were once social.
Of rain there was no lack We were all taken aback
Happiness swells from little things forgotten -
As the cyclone was ready to attack!
The blooming of a watered flower, Flitting butterflies, a meowing kitten.
Mummy took out the candles and matches
Why did we undermine our freedom and mistake it as power?
Daddy took care of the latches As I was waiting for the storm to pass
Exposing a reality harsher than expectation,
Somewhere I heard broken glass
Nature’s truth often hurts, but we remain creatures of habit,
Roads and cars drowned
Will we learn to live in what becomes of each nation?
People frowned
Forget the pain, and bury the hatchet?
Trees were falling Which was very appalling
This is now. Will this Now be forever?
Finally, the storm seemed to depart I thought it was time at last To remember what nature can be As this is our home, you see!
2020
This is Now
34
Calcutta International School
This is Now‌
The Truth About Quarantine Lockdown
by Avika Kejriwal, 1A
by Rayan Karan Samtani, 3B
The earth has punished us because we did not take care of it
Quarantine lockdown is not so much fun,
We have to correct this bit by bit
I have nothing to do all day long,
Coronavirus has changed the way we live
But luckily for me my teacher sends me songs.
We need to stay calm and positive
I miss my school a lot;
Everything is shut down
But I like being home,
Because of the lock down
because these days it is so hot.
But this too shall pass
Now we have online school,
And we shall soon go back to class
and we get to work with so many new tools.
I miss meeting my friends
We are having so much fun,
And how I wish this lock down ends.
and we are getting so much done.
quarantine lockdown I wish it was done.
During this lockdown I am playing a lot; I am practicing my bowling right on the dot. I know its important to stay indoors, maintain social distancing and not go outdoors. I hope to go back to school to have some fun and this lockdown will finally be done.
Prakhar Jain, 2A
2020
This is Now
35
Calcutta International School
New Normal
Before the Lockdown
by Srijato Das, 3B
by Ansh Garodia, 5B
The bell does not ring anymore.
Before the lockdown,
Nor does the intercom call.
my life was so very social,
When I look out of the window,
But now it’s as solitary as can be
There are no children playing football.
Before the lockdown,
Quietness all around.
my life was full of fun,
There is no person to be found.
But now its as boring as a bad documentary
Markets are sound free,
Before the lockdown,
In the front, stands a BIG tree.
I spent time with my friends,
No pollution in the air.
But now I can only see my family
The roads glare.
This lockdown has changed everything
No people standing in the bus stops.
I miss my life from before
No trees are getting chopped.
I keep saying that it’s for my own safety
Then comes New Normal
This has been a very long lockdown
Don’t fear, it is a bit formal.
And it hasn’t been easy
There are rules laid down in detail
This lockdown has changed my life
It will be a matter of habit, with everything limited.
And its slowly driving me crazy
Even going to work for unlimited time is prohibited.
After the lockdown,
Earth loves new normal and me too.
Nothing will be the same,
Are you ready?
I will have to accept the new normal, And be proud of the challenges we overcame.
2020
This is Now
36
Calcutta International School
Missing You
The Lonely Lot
by Srijan Saha, 5B
by Nandana Aswath, 3A
Can I touch you?
The blackboard says,” Oh, here I lay !”
Can I play with you for real?
“Hung on the wall, with no colour at all ”
Hey dude I am frustrated with the virtual.
The dusty desk has a lonely gaze,
You are slowly disappearing in the fog,
Staring at the sun, it sadly says…..
I wish to sit with you real,
“Where are the kids that sat on me?”
Hey dude, I am disgusted with the virtual.
“Jibbering - jabbering with joyful glee!!”
People want only power,
The basketball bouncing up and down,
The world is very small,
Waiting for the hands to throw it around,
Dude, I am tired with the virtual.
My favorite book once fallen at the back, Was squirming and struggling to put itself back,
When can I hold your hand? And play football together in the sand?
When I looked at it,
I am waiting for you all…..
It felt so glad, And screamed and shouted, “Hey , here at the back !!”
Dude, I am bored with the virtual.
Today it sits, waiting for me,
To give me a hug and set it free !! “Where are the kids ?” “Where are the kids ?” They all seem fazed, And then the wise old tree exclaims, “ Hey ! I think I see them play !!” The blackboard remarked, “Should we be sad, are they not coming today?” Be patient my friends, They’ll be coming to us ! As we are a part of them,
Saanvi Chandra, 2A
And they are of us !!
2020
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37
Calcutta International School
This is Now
It is the time to improve in what we are weak in
by Krishaangi Poddar, 3B
And let us go ahead and practice till we win
We are in a lockdown
It's so healthy we are breathing in fresh air
Where people are locked in in their town
As there is less pollution out there
There is a dangerous germ
Eat healthy for our entire human community
Which wiggles like a worm
This will help us build good immunity
We are ready to fight
Good immunity can help us fight this dreadful sight
For our right
And I'm sure things will land up very right‌
We have to live a long life
Keeping good hygiene is our major duty
And have the ability to survive
This can get back our country’s beauty
We have to have a good health
It's time to lend our helping hand.
And increase our wealth We have to increase our souls light
For poor people who have no one beside them to stand
And you will have good body which will be bright
It's time to be generous and share
This time is wonderful
This will show how much we care
We should enjoy it to the plentiful
Utilize this time to the best
Family time is so enjoyable to spend
And pray to God he will do the rest
Let's enjoy and set a trend
This germ will be knocked down
This time is to be with your family and rock role
We will stand victorious with a crown!!!
Why are you people getting so bore
Shome Deepto Sarkar, 8
2020
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38
Calcutta International School
I want to be free
Memoire of a Lockdown
by Manya Garodia, 4B
by Evangeli Saha, 7B
One fine morning
When school first closed and exams postponed,
I woke up thinking where am I now?
Everyone was ecstatic, no one groaned,
A few moments later I remembered
Or realized that this happy news
I’m in a corona world and want to escape but how? The virus is spreading
Wouldn’t be happy when lockdown was introduced.
No country has been spared
Staying at home with nothing to do
My life has totally changed
Would drive us insane because nobody knew
And I am feeling really scared
When we could leave our homes again
We have been in a lockdown
And return to normal as we were back then.
Where everyone is staying at home
Before coronavirus was announced a global pandemic
The World is standing together
And the whole world was changed by this
Even though everyone is actually alone.
epidemic
The days are so empty
Thousands of people infected and dead
Baking keeps me from feeling sad
But even worse, the virus continues to spread.
I’m spending more time with my family
So now we always have to stay at home;
And my cakes make them feel glad
We need to stay safe so we shouldn’t roam
I pray this will soon be over And everything will be the way it used to be
Around on the streets and meet up with friends We can’t take any risks, so having fund ends.
I want to run in the open
Until the situation is under control,
And once more feel free
And we no longer have an increasing death toll, Hopefully coronavirus will get over fast, by Mehran Veer Jalan, Nur-A
And soon become a matter of the past.
Coronavirus go away you are very dangerous for us, Because you will make everybody sick in this world. I have been very sad we cannot go out. We have to wear masks, Go away caronavirus Go away to a safer place where there is no man. Go away caronavirus
2020
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39
Calcutta International School
This is Now
The skies are clearer
by Kriti Garg, 3B
The waters are so clean now
It’s only been a few months
It looks a mirror
But it feels like years
The trees can finally breathe
This quarantine life
As the air is now clean
Has brought me to tears
Without the smoke from traffic
I haven’t seen my friends
The stars can finally be seen
I can’t even go to malls
I too have learnt
I have nothing to do
a thing or two
I am trapped within walls
With the earth
The clouds are thundering
Even I grew
There was even a cyclone
I’ve become more creative
Between all this turmoil
And even learned how to knit
I feel so alone
Spending quality with family
But every grey cloud
Has brought us closer a bit
Has a silver lining
And even when this lockdown ends
Even with this pandemic
I’ll remember it forever
Some are striving
Because during this time
The earth is healthier
The entire world, worked together
Agastya Chanda, 4A
2020
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40
Calcutta International School
Lost in the Snow
by Demira Mukherjee, 1A One winter morning, I woke up just to see
I said “Oh! Brother, we can’t find Mother”
That a lot of snow
It was so foggy that our eyes were getting soggy
Was outside, right in front of me
We didn’t know how the time passed by!
I took a big yawn and brushed my teeth
But suddenly I heard a sound nearby
And ran outside, my brother following me
I ran in a hurry, my brother behind too
We made snow angels
As I stopped, my brother stopped too
A big snowman and an igloo, too...
“There”, we saw our house!!
And then we fell!
And we stood very still, I tell you
Fell to the ground, laughing!
We ran inside and as my brother told the story,
We looked all around
I asked, “Mother, did you worry?
No one was there, not even a sound
“No” she said and kissed my forehead
It was starting to get chilly
“I knew you would find our home.
We couldn’t see our house anymore, so pity!
Since I saw you guys roam.”
Wandering around, we called out for Mother
“All the snow is gone. What a shame!
No one came! Not one or the other
We will all go outside together, you know
Lost in the snow, we sat together,
Another winter day, to never get lost in the snow” This is Now
This is Now
by Krishnav Marothia, 1B
by Rudra Marothia, 6A
When Amphan came it tore our tank
The days have been tough
Then we went to our hotel for three days
Our lives are now rough
It had table, chairs and a soft bed
The moment we wake up
So then I said
We are bored to get up
The intensity in the sun’s rays are not felt now
I wanna peep inside my uncles room And saw staffs were cleaning with a broom
As we don’t want to get up and play The beautiful streets have now turned into old dusty streets
My mother asked me to keep my things so I kept I was very tired so I slept
We hope this lockdown opens up
The next day I woke up and didn’t have power
So our gloominess is destroyed by happiness
So I quickly took a shower
and we all unite.
After that I came back home And I saw that the water came back too.
2020
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Calcutta International School
This is Now
I feel is my mood.
This brought us together,
by Anishka Agrawal, 2B
This keeps me home,
This made us strong,
This is now,
This keeps me worried,
That's how I feel
This is true,
This makes me sad,
Worrying is wrong.
This is how,
That's how I feel bad.
Do you know THIS is what??
I know I'll get through.
This will stay for long,
This is CORONA VIRUS.
This doesn't feel right,
This will not go now
This is the new real,
This doesn't feel good,
That's why when I feel low
This is how
I sing a happy song
That's how it changed the world for real.
Ruhi Chitra, 8
2020
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Calcutta International School
Fast Forward to the Future….!! by Aira Mittal, 5A Hello to the future generations There was once a pandemic - time for no celebrations Let us travel back in time And learn about a generation of people who drank hot water and lime. The year was 2020 (it fells just like yesterday) When I was about to step in my tweens and celebrate my 11th birthday. There was a covid attack and nationwide lockdown, Bringing in more than 20 cases in each town. We were unpredictably stuck at home, as bored as a metaphorical gnome. Missing school the most, looking forward to the teachers online post. Oh! after a month of being unfit, we finally learned a secret; Daddy said, we could go to the rooftop where we wouldn’t be stopped. Three days of enjoyment at the terrace brought us the final scare, Of a new corona case in town hand-in-hand with extended lockdown. We cried with tears with the increased fear of bloating up Our freedom to exercise was taken away for another 14 days.. huh! School went on and during the online prize distribution of term 2, My hands were stuck together with anxiety as though with glue.
2020
But I did win the achievement certificate and I could locate That this was my new year’s resolution and thus 2020 did turn out good too. And then came whistling Cyclone Amphan and what damage it had done. Moving with great speed knocking everything down and closing in on the sun. Bringing in heavy rains and wind with utter grit Taking away all power and electricity, making us all in one place sit! I felt even worse, like I was under a curse Since my birthday was coming and I was assuming A cake that my mother would make, and no gifts at all. And then my birthday came… who was to blame? Noone! But whoa! Two cakes were ordered for me, and I got more gifts than usual It was the best birthday ever…When will I forget it? Oh never, Oh never !!l Later things got better as could be With masks and gloves becoming used commonly And how can I forget, how nature reclaimed its position And on the roads were wild animals, rivers Ganga and Yamuna got cleaner! Now so many years down the line and I am a granny, I only have sweet memories of the time I spent with my family!
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This is now….
by Agastaya Srivastava, 5A We are done with this vacation, And so is the nation. I would rather meet a spinosaurus, Than get the coronavirus. It spreads through touch, So don’t make contact much. We have to listen to prime minister’s speeches,
That we can’t go to the beaches. Its so quiet outside But everyone is raging inside Mom is shouting, so is dad Either on the phone or on the laptop.
by Keosha Saha, 3B
For classes we have to sit in a quiet place, With a serious face. I can’t play football,
This is Now
Instead I have to eat meatballs.
by Prisha Rampuria, 5B
We can’t play with friends,
Staying at home for a day,
Nor am able to catch up on the latest trends
Feels like a whole month of May.
We are so bored,
Some say it’s sweet, some say it’s virus,
So we hope that the coronavirus is cured.
So let me give you some tips for Corona Virus. Wash your hands, clean your face, So you don’t become another Covid case. First, I felt it was good that we were kept off school, But now it seems we are all fools. Now I’m staying all tied up in lockdown, Doing nothing but colouring pictures brown or studying nouns. Because this is now, And now let us pray to god to stop this anyhow.
Mehran Veer Jalan, UN-A
2020
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Fortitude
My Words
by Ruhi Chitra, 8A
by Hiya Chitra, 8A
The ground is cold
There are times when explanations,
Your knees are grazed
no matter how reasonable,
A pearl rolls down your cheeks
Just don’t seem to help the situation
A pinch of salt, a cardboard smile
Because the best decisions,
Know what you find is what you seek
Aren’t made with your mind
Courage
But your instincts and your intuition
Voices whisper far and near
Sometimes you conceal the pain,
Eyes watch you like a hawk
Because you don’t want it to show.
In the mirror
Because deep down you just don’t know.
Is your reflection clear?
For all the people out there,
Or shattered by those who mock?
who feel like they’re sinking in despair
Courage
Remember why you started.
What does it take?
Don’t give up, find a way.
To walk alone? On a tightrope to the Sun?
Even if it takes a whole day.
Surrounded by clouds?
It’s a slow process
And a newspaper sky?
But giving up
Words strung through one by one
Won’t speed it up.
Courage
So believe me when I say,
What does it take?
one day, you will thank yourself. For not giving up.
Courage
If you run into a wall, Don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it. After all, those who quit never win, and those who win never quit.
Yuvraj Agarwal. 4A
2020
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Then and Now
by Isabel Archment, 7B Then Outside school a blur of cars line up honking impatiently A gaggle of kids pushing, goggling, calling to each other as they head home Hurried lunch, hurried homework, hurried revision and stolen snatches of tv. Football class, math class, swim class, tennis class weekdays and weekends ran into one another. Now No honking, no roar of cars, buses on the roads, Just birdsong and doesn’t it seem like they’ve increased their volume Or is it because we’ve decreased ours? Finally time to look at the clear sky the scudding clouds. Just like in my childhood say my parents Tracing bright stars with stretched out fingers, Venus? Space station? Time to play tennis in the garden with improvised net Time to re read Harry Potter, zoom lessons from the comfort of my bedroom Time to watch the beehive growing in size,
Alveena Fatima Jawade, 4B
2020
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Calcutta International School
A Timeless World
by Deeptendu Shekhar Ray, 8A Time flies past in front of our eyes,
Those who used to communicate via telegram,
But we are so lost in our lives,
Today they “DM” on Instagram.
That we don’t even realise, And when our time is over, we despise.
Now children are busy doing rank push in PUBG,
Life on Earth began, with the growth of many
But, back in the 90’s,
civilizations;
Children would enjoy spending time with dadi,
The first major changes came in during the
Who would tell them tales of angels and fairies.
industrial revolution, During this time, took place a number of great
We might be in a boring lockdown,
inventions,
But, don’t spend it with a frown,
This included the invention of the light bulb by
Remember those childhood memories?
Thomas Edison.
Of kite-flying and plucking mangoes from trees,
Later, there was the horrendous World War I,
One – by – one each day will pass,
After 4 years of war,
If we work together as a mass,
The Allies were the ones who won.
We will soon be out,
Soon came the World War II,
And in the sun, roaming about.
The Allies won yet again, When Germany surrendered after the suicide of you-know-who. Today, we live in a digital age, Where emojis are used to express happiness, sadness and rage; And people order food online through Swiggy, To not waste their precious energy. Earlier people used to read books, Nowadays people surf on Facebook;
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The curious malady in the Town on the Isle on the river
they kept on skipping and they spun.
And that was when curious epidemic had descended.
by Manjeer Mitra, 9A
Forty days or more had passed
‘Twas a normal day,
since the Frau started her gig.
in the Town on the Isle on the river.
Four hundred more joined the cast
But it was soon to fall prey
and a few dozen ceased to live.
To a lively yet joyful fever.
“Oh mon Dieu! The spell cast upon my people
They thought she was doing the usual-
All by the powers of The Divine!?
Enjoying herself in her “ voyage de la vie”. But she never came across as delusional.
Assemble them up! Soak their shoes in Holy Water!
And take them to St. Vitus’ shrine !”
Yet Frau Troffea stepped out, in a boogie?
Off the people were loaded on small wooden carts,
Pin-drop silence filled the street,
with no space for their leisure.
with the sound of music nowhere to be heard Yet the Frau tapped on to an unheard beat
Their minds shattered in pieces and so were their hearts.
As the joyful malady within her, stirred
All of them, trapped in the prisons of their pleasure.
She danced till night And then she went to bed.
They danced their way up the hill ,in bright red espadrilles.
Soon, came out the warm morn’s light
And – oh a miracle! They slowly stopped their quiver!
And-oh! The Frau continued dancing as she bled?!
Thus ended the curious malady
Other folk joined the miserable “fun”.
in the Town on the Isle on the river.
And when the day ended,
Aesha Roychoudhury, 5A
2020
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Calcutta International School
From Your Dear Migrant Guest
ISOLATION
by Kavvya Agarwal, IB1
Safe from the virus,
Do you remember me, memWhile mine rummaged sahib? through the detritus of your It is me, Suleiman, your kind. humble servant! It was my skin that collected Do you remember me, mem- dust and cement sahib? While loading your load; It was my name that echoed My body that made home in Through the walls of your your greasy kitchen floor; three-storied bungalow. My soul that sought comfort Do you remember me, mem- in that daily phone call to ma sahib? In that precise moment your It was my hands that swept lips parted, your marble floors, ‘That boy’s gone too far.’ Polished your mirrors and Have you forgotten me, carried me through nights memsahib? alone; I now tread the road-less Washed your gold-rimmed travelled. china, ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, you Dusted ancient grime off religiously preach, your books, Your house now a deathless Hoping that one day, you’d corpse as we speak. realise: Will you lend me a hand, Money without love has rememsahib? sulted in your shallow looks. A hand for a hand, they say. It was my wrinkled fingers Will you leave your Bach that bathed and Chopin Your children in oceans of And listen to the symphony bubbles and rubber ducks, of my suffering? Whilst lamenting my woebeOr will you look into my gone, ill-fated luck; child’s unseeing eyes and Fed them nutty-buddy and say: chocolate chip cookie and ‘Oh, it’s nothing.’ peanut butter pie,
Stuck in one place,
2020
by Agastya Chanda, 3A
This is Now
No one is outside in any case. Always washing hands, Rubbing with soap, Of a vaccine, there’s barely any hope! Fewer cars on the road,
Much less noise pollution, Disinfectant is the solution! Shops closed everywhere, Doctors working day and night, Everyone hopes they’ll be alright. School is in my living room, With lots of online classes, Better to stay away from the masses. Awakening to the bird song, Gazing from the terrace every morning, Lots of flowers the trees adorning. Skating in the evening, Working at noon, I hope this virus will go away soon! This is Now Or is this Forever?
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Lockdown Feels (This Is Now)
So let’s just bake, something new would be nice,
by Sia Agarwal, 9A
Or why not just comb your hair looking for lice?
Days melt into one another,
Or spend time with family, sipping a cup of tea,
As the sky displays its multifarious colours,
Instead of dwelling on each other’s adversity.
Sleepless nights lie ahead, As everything else fades into the dead.
Birthday video calls and zoom business conferences,
Online classes keep us busy,
Studying in the Google classroom as a new Ludo game commences.
And everyone talks about not being lazy,
Let’s try to be positive and grateful for life,
All of the things which we once anticipated,
For you have a home migrant, and home is paradise.
Now out of our grasp as it’s hard to stay motivated. An exhibit of multicoloured masks everywhere, Paired with the sanitizer smell in the air. People keep avoiding each other, And positivity seems like the strangest stranger. Fingers all crossed, hoping symptoms don’t show. For if they do, one becomes the bad seed among the sowed. “Oh no! Stay away!”, Play the blame game, Or it’ll be the victim’s foray. Why need the ailing, why be so scared? Of the onlookers rather than the disease itself fared! All these messages, warnings and rules. It doesn’t help! Makes fatal, those tests and tools.
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CORONA…PLS GO NA…
The Path of Life 2020
by Tamanna Bhutoria, UN-B
by Cheerojeet Roy, 4B
We are stuck,
As I walk the path of Life
And need some good luck.
From the time I was born till today
We cannot go anywhere,
Education and Learning has taught
Because it is unsafe everywhere.
Me everything.
No shops to buy any craft thing,
Suddenly when Coronavirus hit the world
Staying all time at home is boring.
All of us were in the state of Halt.
No friends to meet,
We were all scared and shocked and how
No teachers to greet.
Sadly have to take precautions from now.
My school is on a holiday,
At present we are facing this terrible time
But there are no parks to play.
Thankfully my parents made me positive
This corona virus is bad,
So We will definitely all shine.
It makes our Mother Earth very sad.
Let’s all fight this battle
I want to go out; I want to be free,
With positivity,
Don't know when that will be.
And remove all odds
I hear Mummy Papa say,
And negativity.
That it will soon get over one day.
In this outbreak we have learnt a lot and found,
by Vedang Shah, 3A
We must take care of the needy and the stray animals around. Nature has given us this bad time to learn, Give them pure breathing space it’s their turn. Let’s not worry at all... We will never ever fall, So get up, Rise and stay tall, The Almighty gave us work, it’s our call. Now let’s save our Beautiful Earth, From COVID-19 and Dirt, Let’s all unite and hold hands Fight the virus and together we stand.
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This is now
by Samridh Poddar, 9B Sitting by the window with no one at sight
just when family was losing its meaning
Life had completely changed by the night
quarantine came as a blessing.
seeing all the stars shine after so long
When in too much pressure , the kids grew.
so beautiful that you could stare at it all night long.
Days and months and years flew
from trying out new recipes everyday
home is our new school
to playing housie which takes your breath away.
but no one really follows the rule.
Remember the world when the bat wasn't eaten? When humanity wasn't suffering the pain.
from obsessing over money heist, to spoiling it for your friend
Will we see the 'good days' again?
dalgona coffee became the new trend.
"No vaccines anytime soon" they say
listening to our grandparents' stories again
You can't buy lives , no matter how much you pay.
that feeling took us back to the time when we were ten.
Hope it passes out as the 'rainy day' And life is back like an early morning ray! Although corona had some positives too, It brought family lives together like a glue
the object that was supposed to be our distraction is now the only source of our education. finally thinking how to pass your time now you hear the professor humming bella ciao bella ciao.
Jaheen Hossain, 10
2020
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Calcutta International School
Our Melted Wings:
by Maya Ford, 8B
by Vishakha Mukherjee We’re all Icarus, Flown too close to the Sun of destruction
The worn habits you pulled from that old cardboard box,
And our wings melt as we plummet to Earth.
The crinkled one under your bed,
Our wax wings,
The habits which embrace you with their soft familiarity:
Almost crimson in the sunlight,
Their comfort will soon be your end.
Drip onto those below us,
As their caress grows tighter,
Trying to follow our rueful flight, Blinding their innocent eyes and tainting their fake feathers,
Their whisper, louder in your ear, A little later! It's okay!
Raindrops shower down on us, merciless daggers furthering our fall,
Just shove it all away!
The disease thrums in our lungs, ears and eyes, every aspect of life,
And so slip by the years.
Yet we seek our melted wings,
You abide, The first bat’s wings lay strewn across the ground: An open book, discarded.
The cause of this plight
Why mind the story still tucked inside?
For Salvation.
Our social media, books, comfort food, friends, jokes, gadgets, ambitions-all means of escape But those crass, melted stumps barely shelter us from the fall.
Why not turn life to garbage? The second one appears exactly as the first, A puddle of black and bones. Your gloved hands do not flinch As you chuck the creature; to history, unknown. Eerie, isn’t it, how I can’t tell the difference? You think to yourself as the third makes its entry. The same bloody residue, same cycles of indifference,
Eerie, isn’t it, how we can’t tell the difference? How our cardboard boxes brim with fractured wings?
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Crisis times
When Time Stands Still
by Rwitoban Biswas, 7
by Debanjan Ray, 10A
We never thought, this pandemic would come;
Time stands still during the quarantine
And wipe out humanity in large sums!
Stuck home, there’s nothing to do
We should look out for the needy people;
This is all because of Covid-19
Everybody’s buying orange, carrots and apples.
Everybody is bored and feeling blue
We―humans should learn to use mother nature in a good way,
Everything has stopped in its tracks
Or else, one day she will make us definitely pay!
Everybody is afraid of the corona attacks
In fear that the virus will spread
We all humans had dangerous and some inexplicable crimes,
Getting the virus what we all dread
We pay the price for mother nature; and now she has her own good time!
At home we get so much family time
Corona, Ebola, Small pox; we had it all,
There is less pollution, Earth is healing Hope is what we are all feeling That a vaccine will come out sometime
All inside Earth, just one huge ball!
Although Coronavirus has caused us strife
I conclude by saying: ‘this pandemic will end soon…’
We’ll remember this our entire life
Earth will spring back to life; this is god’s boon!
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This is now
by Nitya Kaul, 10 I’m sure, there’s a story behind everything
Homeless, hopeless, all their small comforts,
Behind the faded polaroid’s in the velvet bound family Blown away with the cold harsh cyclone wind album Some people are complaining because they just can’t The used Chemistry textbook with notes scribbled all have their cakes over Changed because some people have been so brave The newspaper clippings in the unvisited section of To tell the world who they are, so they get thrown into the library A dark pool of sharp bitter hate The old statue in the corner of the quiet cemetery. Because some people thought religion was a cover to The simplicity of history, has probably taken away hate people All the millions of little things. And break them down. I wonder what people will read sixty years from now? But, this is now. Who’s story get’s told? We get to pick what faded polaroids, old newspapers I hope it doesn’t read like it is now and Maybe the truth will be sugarcoated and warped like it Headlines people will see down the line. is This is now, we get to decide if people look at now Changed because people in power As a gold age in school textbooks, Could decide that the severity of a crime committed Or a as a dark time where people pointed fingers Depended on something like the colour of a perpetraBurnt the innocent instead of the witches. tors skin Striking up disturbing dining table conversations
We are at crossroads, Hecate looks at us,
And me realizing that the amount of melanin is inversely proportionate
The branch of change is just within our reach.
To how safe I’d be the moment I left India. Changed because while there are people dying
2020
The question is are we going to use it to pull ourselves out Of the quicksand or are we going to sink. We pick. This is now.
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Emptiness
by Oindrila Pal, 6B Empty roads
Like the dream of freedom
I can feel the fear roar
But is darker than the night
Empty parks
Locked in a room
Lives have become so dark
With nobody except me and my shadow
It was a horror in disguise
But my shadow leaves me at night
A horrible surprise
Until I again see the light
Leaving barely any
A feeling of emptiness
Happy clouds in the sky
A feeling of loneliness
Darkness creeps into my room
I cannot let emptiness defeat me
Even when the sun is shining outside
I don’t know what is wrong with me?
Is this life fake?
Empty roads
Cause this is what I assume
I can feel the fear roar
I want to catch the stars in the sky
Empty parks
But they seem so high
Lives have become so dark.
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