A Timeless Story

• Sabiha Uddin, Grade 12, Sydney Girls High School
• Poetry
• 2017

Finalist in the 'Spread The Word 2017' competition

A clockwork heart
Ticking in your chest
A timeless story
Whispered to the rest
Of a child once filled with passion so bold,
And a dream so vivid; weaved through with gold.
Yet slowly but surely, your eyes began to dim
As textbooks replaced desires and the world grew grim
Knowledge became regurgitation, and time was pressed
Curiosity became questions asking what next will be assessed.
You tried your best, your body desperate to stay afloat
Your fairy tale ending was a scream caught in your throat.
Once upon a time, there was a dazzling young star
That burned so bright but too fast and too far
A clockwork heart ticking in your chest
Waiting for the day it can finally, finally, take a rest.