Jazzed Hair And Shakespeare

By Jess Doshi

Schools raise us to become

Einsteins and Newtons of the

21st century. With jazzed hair and millions of

books stacked up in the corners

of these posterless rooms. The

dry walls with paint chipping off and

the water leaking through the floors

above the wrecked home

that we are forced to endure. Books

opened up to page 51 and minds drifting

to chapters unexplored. Tell me, my dear,

how many times did you want to be

educated about the inner turmoil of

Leornado’s work. Overthinking in English

about blue walls and wrecked ships in

Shakespeare’s words. Godforbid we tell

the teachers about our interpretations of

masterpieces, similar. The numbers we

calculate in the midst of formulae

that we never intend to use in our lives

dictate the only numbers that matter

in the centre of our marksheet.

Did

they ask where we learned how to

count those calories that we wish

we would’ve burned. So don’t scream and

throw those pieces of chalk at me

when I tell you I wish to become a

dreamer. To conquer those places that

you never had the courage to

step foot on. Don't tell me to

calm down and listen when all you

taught me is how to shut up with my finger

In front of my lips. You didn't teach me how

to love my brothers and stand up for my

sisters, younger or older. You didn't show me

how to fight when misogyny once again

took a toll on us. Racism and casteism

merging into one with thousands washing up

dead on our shores. Animals dying

and the very foundation of our

existence burning away, right in front of

our eyesight. Let me tell you that

this generation is filled

with love and heartache, smiles and

cries reaching miles away, passion and

exhaustion. Whatever the

circumstances, know that, we will never give up.

By Jess Doshi