Rhea’s poem explores a childhood filled with wonder and knowledge, contrasting it with the fading fascination with the world over time, exclusively for Different Truths. 

I was once told stories of rabbits and elves
Fairies and penguins and dancers of twelve
I was told about the Amazon, Arctic, and Great plain  
I never stopped learning with my ravenous brain 

I learned about the world and its many vast wonders
I read many books about expeditions and plunders
It seemed to me that the world was my oyster
And it seemed almost rare that my eyes filled with moisture 

But even Cinderella was forced to give up her dress
Wendy returned from Neverland and Goldilocks cleaned her mess
Time ticks and whistles blow
Flames grow dimmer and my eyes no longer glow 
 
Tick tock tick
The burning of the wick
Where is that girl that craves to know?
The one who felt such little woe.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Rhea Ganguly

Rhea Ganguly is a senior at Clements High School. She was inspired to write poems for the first time at 10 years old and since then has used poetry as an outlet to express her confusion for our ever-changing world. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading comics, watching Christmas movies, and spending time with friends.