The whole world seemed dark and foreboding underneath the winter sky. Naked trees swayed around in the chilly breeze welcoming the gentle falling of white petals, slowly reaching the stone pathway. The large silvery moon hid itself among the clouds, overpowered by the darkness. The entire world was silent.
Gazing out from the stained glass window was a little girl dressed in layers of unnecessary clothing. Her pale emaciated figure suggested an ill little girl wishing to be outside, outside where winter was at its fullest. A little statue perched on top of a rich red leather sofa, a diminutive sculpture, wishing to be alive and free from the safe and comforting presence of her home.
Tiny footsteps formed on the supple layers of pallid snow. She had done it, she had escaped. The girl beamed at the familiar images of a typical winter’s night, illustrations she had only ever seen through her window were now tangible and real. The trees parted to form a path for the tiny figure, introducing her to the beauty of winter, for the first time in eight years.
The girl glanced back at her now abandoned house. The old brick walls and red roof of her house now looked indistinct and unfamiliar. The girl ripped off her little red petticoat, throwing it up into the darkness of winter. She danced into the mysterious depth of her newfound freedom and was swallowed by the winters night.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
All that jazz
We flip carelessly through piles of clothing
scattered across the rainbow Persian rug
gazing at ourselves in the mirror
screaming with delight at our unfamiliar reflections.
We rummage among the mess
the jacket tumbles down to your knees
I stumble and trip in Mummy’s synthetic leather heels
her precious Victorian style sunhat hides my face.
Long golden curls clash with your tuxedo,
this silver singlet reveals too much skin on me
but we’re five years young so we don’t notice.
The silk shirt sleeves dangle past my waist
matched with a gypsy skirt that I slip on
muddy footprints stamped on the delicate flower patterns
I wipe it hastily against the newly spread bed sheets.
I’m sure Mummy won’t mind.
When you change into a velvet green nightgown
you look like a little Russian porcelain doll
so pale and so perfect.
The velvet eases gently off your smooth white skin
I change out of the artificial fur jacket six sizes too big.
The floor a whirlpool of fabrics
then we change back to our shirts and shorts.
scattered across the rainbow Persian rug
gazing at ourselves in the mirror
screaming with delight at our unfamiliar reflections.
We rummage among the mess
the jacket tumbles down to your knees
I stumble and trip in Mummy’s synthetic leather heels
her precious Victorian style sunhat hides my face.
Long golden curls clash with your tuxedo,
this silver singlet reveals too much skin on me
but we’re five years young so we don’t notice.
The silk shirt sleeves dangle past my waist
matched with a gypsy skirt that I slip on
muddy footprints stamped on the delicate flower patterns
I wipe it hastily against the newly spread bed sheets.
I’m sure Mummy won’t mind.
When you change into a velvet green nightgown
you look like a little Russian porcelain doll
so pale and so perfect.
The velvet eases gently off your smooth white skin
I change out of the artificial fur jacket six sizes too big.
The floor a whirlpool of fabrics
then we change back to our shirts and shorts.
Teenage Blues
This is an article I wrote late last year which got published in the 'College Herald'. It's about the facts of teenage depression and how frightening it can be.
It was lunch time and I was looking forward to be getting a break before chemistry. I could see my friend walking along the English block with a blank look in her eyes. I ran up to her to give her a hug, she shrugged me off violently. Her constant lack of energy and mood swings frightened me. I told her she needed help, and fast. She told me to leave her alone, she said she was fine. She pushed past me aggressively and made her way up the stairs. I knew she was depressed but I couldn’t understand why. She has her whole life ahead of her. Couldn’t she see that?
Depression is a huge problem in teenagers all around the world and it is only getting worse. Statistics show that teen depression has tripled since 1970. But with all the advanced technology and highly developed medical fields in modern society, shouldn’t teen depression be dropping instead of rising? Why are teens in today’s society resulting to suicide instead of finding another way out of difficult situations? Social status, family issues, school work and many more burdens can fall upon teenagers. Teenage years are very vulnerable and emotional and sometimes when a teenager reaches a point when they think they cannot cope anymore, they can face teen depression. The sad thing is that many teenagers think that there is no way out during depression and that they are alone. They do not know that there are people out there that can help them.
Teenagers who have low self esteem or are very self critical can often feel the pressure of being a teenager being too simply too much too handle. Sometimes, when a big change occurs in a teenager’s life they can because depressed. At the most extreme cases depression can lead to self harm and even teen suicide. Being neglected, not being able to fit in, going through hard times or chronic illness are major factors of teen depression. However, teens going through depression can know that they’re not alone. Statistics show that around twenty percent of teenagers will experience depression before adulthood. About five percent of all teenagers suffer major depression at some part of their teenager hood. This is a huge percentage of all teenagers around the world and it shows how common depression is amongst teenagers.
Drop in energy, rapid weight lose, short concentration span, high levels of sadness, persistent bad mood, loss of interest, moving very slowly, extremely low self confidence and suicidal thoughts are all common symptoms of depression. However when depression is left untreated for a long period of time, bigger changes can occur. Drop in grades, substance abuse, suicide threats, no regards of appearance, not wanting to socialize and have problems with relationships are long term changes that can arise. Teenage years are crucial to a person’s development; this is why teen depression can leave dramatic effects on a person’s life permanently.
Teenagers suffering through depression need to be promptly and professionally treated. If depression is left untreated it can be life threatening. There are many different types of therapy and professional people that specialize in teen depression. They will be there to help and guide the teenagers onto the right path. A good lifestyle can help alleviate teen depression. There are also medications teenagers can take in order to help the teenager feel less scared and nervous. These are usually given out during therapy sessions. With all the professional treatments out there, teenager should be able to beat depression. Unfortunately, many of them don’t.
I watch my friend’s hunched framed make its way up the stairs. I don’t even know her anymore. She is depressed and teenage hormones are raging but it shouldn’t have such a dramatic effect on her life. Teenagers are at a stage where they have their whole futures ahead of them. They need to know that the days will only get brighter if you believe it will. British philosopher Bertrand Russell once said: ‘Most people would rather die than think; in fact they do so.’ Why is this though? Why can’t teenagers see all that life has to offer instead of all that life hasn’t? Teenage years should be the happiest years of someone’s life. It shouldn’t have to be a teenager’s nightmare.
It was lunch time and I was looking forward to be getting a break before chemistry. I could see my friend walking along the English block with a blank look in her eyes. I ran up to her to give her a hug, she shrugged me off violently. Her constant lack of energy and mood swings frightened me. I told her she needed help, and fast. She told me to leave her alone, she said she was fine. She pushed past me aggressively and made her way up the stairs. I knew she was depressed but I couldn’t understand why. She has her whole life ahead of her. Couldn’t she see that?
Depression is a huge problem in teenagers all around the world and it is only getting worse. Statistics show that teen depression has tripled since 1970. But with all the advanced technology and highly developed medical fields in modern society, shouldn’t teen depression be dropping instead of rising? Why are teens in today’s society resulting to suicide instead of finding another way out of difficult situations? Social status, family issues, school work and many more burdens can fall upon teenagers. Teenage years are very vulnerable and emotional and sometimes when a teenager reaches a point when they think they cannot cope anymore, they can face teen depression. The sad thing is that many teenagers think that there is no way out during depression and that they are alone. They do not know that there are people out there that can help them.
Teenagers who have low self esteem or are very self critical can often feel the pressure of being a teenager being too simply too much too handle. Sometimes, when a big change occurs in a teenager’s life they can because depressed. At the most extreme cases depression can lead to self harm and even teen suicide. Being neglected, not being able to fit in, going through hard times or chronic illness are major factors of teen depression. However, teens going through depression can know that they’re not alone. Statistics show that around twenty percent of teenagers will experience depression before adulthood. About five percent of all teenagers suffer major depression at some part of their teenager hood. This is a huge percentage of all teenagers around the world and it shows how common depression is amongst teenagers.
Drop in energy, rapid weight lose, short concentration span, high levels of sadness, persistent bad mood, loss of interest, moving very slowly, extremely low self confidence and suicidal thoughts are all common symptoms of depression. However when depression is left untreated for a long period of time, bigger changes can occur. Drop in grades, substance abuse, suicide threats, no regards of appearance, not wanting to socialize and have problems with relationships are long term changes that can arise. Teenage years are crucial to a person’s development; this is why teen depression can leave dramatic effects on a person’s life permanently.
Teenagers suffering through depression need to be promptly and professionally treated. If depression is left untreated it can be life threatening. There are many different types of therapy and professional people that specialize in teen depression. They will be there to help and guide the teenagers onto the right path. A good lifestyle can help alleviate teen depression. There are also medications teenagers can take in order to help the teenager feel less scared and nervous. These are usually given out during therapy sessions. With all the professional treatments out there, teenager should be able to beat depression. Unfortunately, many of them don’t.
I watch my friend’s hunched framed make its way up the stairs. I don’t even know her anymore. She is depressed and teenage hormones are raging but it shouldn’t have such a dramatic effect on her life. Teenagers are at a stage where they have their whole futures ahead of them. They need to know that the days will only get brighter if you believe it will. British philosopher Bertrand Russell once said: ‘Most people would rather die than think; in fact they do so.’ Why is this though? Why can’t teenagers see all that life has to offer instead of all that life hasn’t? Teenage years should be the happiest years of someone’s life. It shouldn’t have to be a teenager’s nightmare.
Shanghai Night
A million sets of eyes peering out at me,
I look around wondering which ones are yours.
Feet tapping rapidly against the concrete road,
Quick, swift, unfamiliar movements.
Cars darting along like arrows,
The sizzling smells of delicious foods flood the busy streets.
Casinos, pubs, nightclubs; bright lights which catch the eye,
That’s Shanghai City for you.
Night is when all the people come out,
Thousands, millions of faces.
And I’m just one person.
Magnificent buildings stretch right out into the sky,
The lights flicker on and off like stars blinking their eyes.
I look up at the tallest building and wonder,
If I climbed to the top if I could lick the clouds.
Maybe they’ll taste just like candyfloss.
I look around wondering which ones are yours.
Feet tapping rapidly against the concrete road,
Quick, swift, unfamiliar movements.
Cars darting along like arrows,
The sizzling smells of delicious foods flood the busy streets.
Casinos, pubs, nightclubs; bright lights which catch the eye,
That’s Shanghai City for you.
Night is when all the people come out,
Thousands, millions of faces.
And I’m just one person.
Magnificent buildings stretch right out into the sky,
The lights flicker on and off like stars blinking their eyes.
I look up at the tallest building and wonder,
If I climbed to the top if I could lick the clouds.
Maybe they’ll taste just like candyfloss.
Lost in the big city
A million sets of eyes peering out at me,
I look around wondering which ones are yours.
Cars gliding as fast as darts and arrows,
Flying, brushing, pushing past.
Drunkards, prostitutes, druggies,
Lost just like me amongst all the smoke and bright lights.
They are all people looking for themselves,
I pray that they find themselves before it’s too late.
Cold unwanted hands clutch my anxious shoulders,
Too strong, too rough, too determined, I can’t break free.
My teeth sink into a forest of coarse, stiff hair,
I hear him screaming; swearing as I dart into the busy road.
I sense voices around me but none of them are yours,
I see my body lifeless on the bitter stone concrete.
I dream for you to come and find me.
Please take me home.
I look around wondering which ones are yours.
Cars gliding as fast as darts and arrows,
Flying, brushing, pushing past.
Drunkards, prostitutes, druggies,
Lost just like me amongst all the smoke and bright lights.
They are all people looking for themselves,
I pray that they find themselves before it’s too late.
Cold unwanted hands clutch my anxious shoulders,
Too strong, too rough, too determined, I can’t break free.
My teeth sink into a forest of coarse, stiff hair,
I hear him screaming; swearing as I dart into the busy road.
I sense voices around me but none of them are yours,
I see my body lifeless on the bitter stone concrete.
I dream for you to come and find me.
Please take me home.
My future career
My writing for publications teacher once questioned me what my ideal future career would be and I immediately replied 'a magazine editor.' 'Great' she said, 'you have something to write about.
I sit on my bed staring at my large collection of magazines. From ‘Time’ to ‘Vogue,’ magazines have been and still are a huge part of my life. However, it was only until I reached high school when that I suddenly realized I could someday become a part of the evolutionary process of producing magazines. With years of difficult but worthwhile training, I may be competent enough to become a magazine editor in chief. For my works to someday be rewarded on the glowing faces of women everywhere while reading my weekly creations will be a dream come true.
Magazines are primarily produced to provide entertainment for everyday women who want to get a glimpse of the luxurious life. As glamorous as it sounds to be working alongside many notable designers, photographers and actors who are featured in the magazine, it takes many years of hard work to obtain a stable job in the magazine industry. The top position in the magazine world is credited as ‘The magazine editor in chief.’ The magazine editor in chief certifies that the magazine is completed before the deadline of release or else the company will face a deficit. They make sure all of the employees are correctly doing their jobs and that the magazine content is thoroughly up to date. They acquire the most publicity, he or she represents the company during public events and appearances. The magazine editor in chief is able to express their opinions on every aspect of the magazine.
In order to pursue a job as a magazine editor in chief, a degree in journalism or media studies in a qualifying university is essential. Magazine publishers select the most proficient applicant for the job, these people usually have previously worked as assistants in other magazine companies and have a good understanding of the industry. The applicant’s background, previous work experience, skills and qualifications are thoroughly looked upon before they are selected for the job. The aspirant is then given a few weeks trial before they are allocated to full control of the staff.
Successful names in the magazine world such as GQ, Marie Claire, Elle and Vogue are all popular in providing entertainment to women all around the world. The magazine editor in chief is very important to the success of a magazine company because they make all the important decisions and deal with the losses. With adept writing abilities, reading competences and people skills, a magazine editor in chief must skilfully advertise the magazine brand so that women are interested in buying it. A magazine company cannot possibly run smoothly with out the guidance of an outspoken and organised magazine editor in chief.
I lie on my bed daydreaming about how wonderful it will be to someday to become a magazine editor in chief. As I study all the benefits of the job, I can also see all the years of technical training and hard work that I will also have to endure. Conversely, it won’t be as easy or glamorous as I have imagined, but I am still willing to persevere with the purpose of achieving my dream.
I sit on my bed staring at my large collection of magazines. From ‘Time’ to ‘Vogue,’ magazines have been and still are a huge part of my life. However, it was only until I reached high school when that I suddenly realized I could someday become a part of the evolutionary process of producing magazines. With years of difficult but worthwhile training, I may be competent enough to become a magazine editor in chief. For my works to someday be rewarded on the glowing faces of women everywhere while reading my weekly creations will be a dream come true.
Magazines are primarily produced to provide entertainment for everyday women who want to get a glimpse of the luxurious life. As glamorous as it sounds to be working alongside many notable designers, photographers and actors who are featured in the magazine, it takes many years of hard work to obtain a stable job in the magazine industry. The top position in the magazine world is credited as ‘The magazine editor in chief.’ The magazine editor in chief certifies that the magazine is completed before the deadline of release or else the company will face a deficit. They make sure all of the employees are correctly doing their jobs and that the magazine content is thoroughly up to date. They acquire the most publicity, he or she represents the company during public events and appearances. The magazine editor in chief is able to express their opinions on every aspect of the magazine.
In order to pursue a job as a magazine editor in chief, a degree in journalism or media studies in a qualifying university is essential. Magazine publishers select the most proficient applicant for the job, these people usually have previously worked as assistants in other magazine companies and have a good understanding of the industry. The applicant’s background, previous work experience, skills and qualifications are thoroughly looked upon before they are selected for the job. The aspirant is then given a few weeks trial before they are allocated to full control of the staff.
Successful names in the magazine world such as GQ, Marie Claire, Elle and Vogue are all popular in providing entertainment to women all around the world. The magazine editor in chief is very important to the success of a magazine company because they make all the important decisions and deal with the losses. With adept writing abilities, reading competences and people skills, a magazine editor in chief must skilfully advertise the magazine brand so that women are interested in buying it. A magazine company cannot possibly run smoothly with out the guidance of an outspoken and organised magazine editor in chief.
I lie on my bed daydreaming about how wonderful it will be to someday to become a magazine editor in chief. As I study all the benefits of the job, I can also see all the years of technical training and hard work that I will also have to endure. Conversely, it won’t be as easy or glamorous as I have imagined, but I am still willing to persevere with the purpose of achieving my dream.
Forgotten Friend
This is a very cheesy poem I wrote a while back based a little girl reminiscing about her old friend who was a boy.
We used to sit among all the grass and leaves,
Pretending we were in a far away jungle.
Shuffling the pebbles with our tiny hands like gold,
In our own little hiding place.
You left me so you could play with the bigger kids,
I fell over on the gravel trying to chase after you.
You used to tell me that boys didn’t cry.
But that day you cried even harder than me.
You stopped coming to our hiding place soon after,
I heard someone say you moved away.
I thought if I stopped playing with Barbie dolls you’d come back.
That was five years ago.
The trees in our hiding place died away with your presence,
My childhood dreams soon followed.
I replaced our stories with heavy textbooks
And stopped waiting for you.
We used to sit among all the grass and leaves,
Pretending we were in a far away jungle.
Shuffling the pebbles with our tiny hands like gold,
In our own little hiding place.
You left me so you could play with the bigger kids,
I fell over on the gravel trying to chase after you.
You used to tell me that boys didn’t cry.
But that day you cried even harder than me.
You stopped coming to our hiding place soon after,
I heard someone say you moved away.
I thought if I stopped playing with Barbie dolls you’d come back.
That was five years ago.
The trees in our hiding place died away with your presence,
My childhood dreams soon followed.
I replaced our stories with heavy textbooks
And stopped waiting for you.
Monday, February 1, 2010
What I now know for sure
This is the February post of my monthly: 'What I now know' for sure inspired by Oprah Winfrey.
1. You deserve only the best:
This is to all of my blog followers: 'You all deserve the best in life because you owe yourself that much'.
2. Happy girls are the prettiest girls:
As said by screen legend Audrey Hepburn. Don't doubt the fact that you are beautiful. Be happy knowing that you are blessed and loved.
3. You can't be all things to all people:
Don't expect everyone to appreciate your humanity. Instead, cherish the people who do love you.
4. Don't easily forgive someone:
Not everyone is worthy of your forgiveness.
5. Be your own hero:
Don't look for motivation from someone else, ultimately it's your own life you are living.
6. If someone gives you advice, listen:
Everyone has a: 'What I now know for sure' list. When someone is giving you decent advice, they're doing it through life experience. If you listen, you are learning something from them.
7. Accept your mistakes, correct them:
Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone has the courage to correct them.
1. You deserve only the best:
This is to all of my blog followers: 'You all deserve the best in life because you owe yourself that much'.
2. Happy girls are the prettiest girls:
As said by screen legend Audrey Hepburn. Don't doubt the fact that you are beautiful. Be happy knowing that you are blessed and loved.
3. You can't be all things to all people:
Don't expect everyone to appreciate your humanity. Instead, cherish the people who do love you.
4. Don't easily forgive someone:
Not everyone is worthy of your forgiveness.
5. Be your own hero:
Don't look for motivation from someone else, ultimately it's your own life you are living.
6. If someone gives you advice, listen:
Everyone has a: 'What I now know for sure' list. When someone is giving you decent advice, they're doing it through life experience. If you listen, you are learning something from them.
7. Accept your mistakes, correct them:
Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone has the courage to correct them.
What makes a family?
A typical family; mother, father and the children. But is there really such thing as a normal family? How easy it is for somebody to only judge the exterior walls without uncovering the whole house? In the television series 'Wife Swap', wives from different families swap homes to see what it feels like to fit into another person's shoes. In most cases, it was very hard for the wives to accept their new husbands and families. The trust and acceptance they had held towards their real families could not be re-established in their new homes.
It's hard to doubt the fact that all families are dysfunctional. When you have dissimilar personalities living under one roof almost everyday of their lives, it's only a matter of time before disputes start. With outsiders whom you find objectionable, you can simply walk away, but you can't do that with family. An Aunt of mine suffered many mental-breakdowns as a teenager because of the verbal and physical abuse her father had inflicted onto her, her mother and younger brother. But as she grew older and wiser, she thanked her father for her later success.
It's true what they say that you can't choose your family. People often view other peoples' families through rose colored glasses. It's like envying a piece of clothing worn by someone else but once it's on your own back, it will gradually lose its value. It's easy to take something or someone for granted, to expect your family's care without questioning its worth. Family among all other things in this world will not last forever. I read last week in the New Zealand Herald a true story about a New Zealand woman who had lost her husband and three daughters to the Haiti Earthquake. That was just one among many equally traumatizing occurrences. The family did not expect their lives together to end so abruptly, they were still looking forward to a fulfilling life together. From this story, it is stated how easily families are torn apart. We need to appreciate every second with our family because we won't have them forever. The blessing of a happy family will always be immeasurable.
It's hard to doubt the fact that all families are dysfunctional. When you have dissimilar personalities living under one roof almost everyday of their lives, it's only a matter of time before disputes start. With outsiders whom you find objectionable, you can simply walk away, but you can't do that with family. An Aunt of mine suffered many mental-breakdowns as a teenager because of the verbal and physical abuse her father had inflicted onto her, her mother and younger brother. But as she grew older and wiser, she thanked her father for her later success.
It's true what they say that you can't choose your family. People often view other peoples' families through rose colored glasses. It's like envying a piece of clothing worn by someone else but once it's on your own back, it will gradually lose its value. It's easy to take something or someone for granted, to expect your family's care without questioning its worth. Family among all other things in this world will not last forever. I read last week in the New Zealand Herald a true story about a New Zealand woman who had lost her husband and three daughters to the Haiti Earthquake. That was just one among many equally traumatizing occurrences. The family did not expect their lives together to end so abruptly, they were still looking forward to a fulfilling life together. From this story, it is stated how easily families are torn apart. We need to appreciate every second with our family because we won't have them forever. The blessing of a happy family will always be immeasurable.
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