Ode to the Stars by Ashaani Taneja

We see the good side,

the part that twinkles,

the light that we follow.

I look up,

and I admire,

from the top of a distant hill.

I hear the leaves rustling,

the wind whistling,

as if to tell me to drown in the melody.

The clouds come and shadow the light you throw,

but the next night,

the stars are hanging again.

Stars inspire me,

inspire me to go on,

stars give me the strength.

Maybe I’m not alone,

I sure am not,

I see the people,

The people who matter the world to me,

the people who made me who I am,

the people behind the stars.

Ashaani is a 15 year old writer who is currently studying at Welham Girls School, Dehradun in grade 11. She has authored a book named 'Bad Blood Frenemies' which was launched in October 2019 in the Dehradun Literature Festival by legendary, Mr. Ruskin Bond. Ashaani also received 'The Ruskin Bond Literary Award' for synopsis writing in 2018. One of her poems 'Breath' was published in the literary magazine called the 'The Indian Periodical.' Ashaani has also participated in many school events, from writing to sports and extracurriculars including dramatics and vocal music. She is very passionate about writing and hopes to pursue it as a career in the near future.