Veruschka Pandey, Class 8, The International School Bangalore (TISB), Bengaluru
Feasting on oatmeal at midnight Doesn’t feel right My porcelain skin covered in soot I run out the door in boots My white parchment is covered with charcoal! Horrible! Doesn’t align with my soul My fair cream covered with dark grease Remove it this instant please I like the bright, almost white fire. But I don’t like the dark ashes it leaves behind I’ll dust the darkness off, never mind! My tender coconut flesh covered with black dust I chuck it away for I don’t like black, its rust. But what a symphony, a melody Is created by the paradox, the irony For our white bones are just as strong as the black onyx White and black, this bond we have to fix For the queen of the night, the dark tulips are just as alluring as the white daisies White and black, we own day and night. We both are beautiful when we please For chocolate and milk taste good White and black, a companionship as diverse and playful as the woods For the white polar bear and black panthers are just as rare White and black, make a good pair But most importantly, my white paper covered in black ink is alive Only in harmony, can black and white survive