The Day I Turned 16

By Tulika Harshvardhan

I turned 16 today

with thousands of memories grasped

I thought I’d feel different

But till now all I’ve felt is angst.

Growing up feels so exciting

So why am I not thrilled?

Maybe I’m not ready

to move on from the life I’ve lived.

I remember turning 13,

Giving my mom a reason for my mood swings

Taking advantage of my teenage

But now my teenage is slowly coming to an end.

I just want to hold on

To all those who, to me, are dear

I want them to stay with me forever

As blessings not as souvenirs .

This November doesn’t delight me

Just feels like another April or December

Is it fair for me to express so deeply

At an age so tender?

Undaunted, I am happy, radiant and smiling

And grateful for everything I’ve attained

Maybe I just need to give myself some time

To feel delirious and be naive once again.

By Tulika Harshvardhan