Sonnet for A String Instrument

Some came to earth blessed with silver spoon,
Others are astute like Aristotle,
Some dressed to the nines, mingle with rich boon,
Others graced with demure, pure as crystal
While God gave everyone their own bidding
Of talents and things that bring them great joy,
To me empty wit are just masks hiding
Your true self, a rather deceptive ploy
Riches be stolen, designers be labelled-torn,
Sweet cravings satisfy less, gold may lose its glow,
Despite what the lackadaisials say
Live life a vagabond, judged all the way,
The strum of my guitar makes a clown weep,
Its vibe acoustics breathe life to a creep

An adolescent reflection

I felt obliged to share this though I don't know the reason why. Maybe I was touched by this student's writing and the message that she wanted to convey. In my Form 2 English classes, I asked my students to prepare an exercise book as a journal or for creative writing exercises. So, last week I told them to write about "If I were..." This student wrote about her being a "witch" who possesses magical powers. Here's her journal piece (please don't mind the grammatical errors, after all I told them I will not grade them for grammar mistakes in their journal) :

"If I were a witch, I will stop this world then people can't see me but not for forever just for three days I think that's is enough. And I will fly at the sky alone, Beside that I hope I will make all the things in this world become cheap then there's nothing different between rich or poor people. And I hope I can give the life for the people who have passed away, I know I can't do it because I am not a god there's just my dream. And it will be really great if I will change all of the boys and girls become handsome and pretty then nothing (no one) can cry because they were not pretty, handsome or anything then make all the person in this world become good. But one important thing I want to make my mother happy".

What I learned from this girl is that her father had passed away last year. She is a quiet one. I find her writing rather poignant as it shows maturity beyond her years. Perhaps, in this journal piece she is trying to tell me that although her appearance shows a normal student who has a normal, typical life there are some hurts and insecurities lurking beneath.

At first, I was at lost for words or comments. What should I say? Alas, I wrote under the last paragraph:

You are a girl with a big heart and I think if you ever have magical powers, I'm sure the world would appreciate the beautiful and magical things you've done. An excellent journal entry.