Here’s an evocative poem by Mohini for an infant to live life unconventionally – exclusively for Different Truths.

Perhaps, to stand out
You’ll have to live out,
Out of other people’s paths,
Out of a comfortable companion herd,
With sniggers of doubt clogging your dreams.
 
Your dreams are not so fragile, yes?
You are not so weak, yes?
Your journey isn’t that dull, yes?
Even alone, you have footprints
Of those who chose to walk, breathe, and
sleep differently, yes?
 
Standing out, perhaps, is inconvenient
For the most part, unconventional
But look the conventions in the eye
Tell them that conventions are unconventional to you
Work hard, smile harder,
Sleep and bequeath your infant dreams.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Mohini Awasthi

Mohini Awasthi, a 24-year-old poet from Lucknow, has completed her graduation and post-graduation from the University of Lucknow. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in English from Indira Gandhi National Open University. In the poems, she attempts to capture the social sadness that the world has presented to her. She is on her way to understanding this world and its nuances. Her writings vent her bitter-sweet life.