Today’s prompt (day 30 and the final one of this challenge) is to write a palinode – a poem in which you retract a view or sentiment expressed in an earlier poem. So I have chosen a poem that I wrote earlier this year, based on another prompt where I was to give life advice to my younger self! I’ve included that poem at the end for reference. The link is at https://ipsitabanerjee.com/2023/02/09/to-ipsy-age-13

Do not sweat the small stuff 

But know that every little bit matters

Those math equations will hold you

In good stead, as will the driving lessons.

You will always miss your father

It is something you will learn 

To live with, and you will never

Get round to telling him you love him.

But he knew and that is enough.

You will be hurt by those who are meant

to be closest to you, harden yourself, don’t shout 

Your love from rooftops, 

Too few understand or care, 

You have a whole lifetime for regret.

Pamper yourself, adulting is over-rated

Do put yourself first. There’s no need 

To suffer fools, there are many of them

That you will have to endure, above all else

Do not volunteer, take a back seat

And let others do the work. 

Many are scheming and calculating

Saying one thing and meaning another

You do not have to play nice. 

Stand up for yourself, choose your battles well

And remember that the ones who will not see

Are the ones that are truly blind. 

In a world where you can be anything, 

be strong, be self-sufficient, not kind. 

To Ipsy, age 13.

Do not sweat the small stuff      

But then you already know that. 

Those Math marks do not matter

But the disappointment 

On Baba’s face? That does. 

Hug him close, tell him

Every opportunity you get

That you love him. I know 

You never have. And then one day

It might be too late. Tell the ones

You love that you love them

Life is too short for too much regret.

Don’t be moody, try to be kind

Yes, even to the girl in school

You think is insufferable, be

especially kind to those who love you, 

or say they do, do not shrug aside 

their declarations, or worse, laugh

at them. Be kind. Life will teach 

you patience, try not to go

kicking and screaming to those classes,

you are stronger than you think, 

try to put yourself first. You

are no eight-armed Goddess, do not try

to do it all alone. There is no shame 

in asking for help, learn to receive

just as you give. Listen 

to others but stay true to your heart. 

Above all else, be kind. In this world 

Where you can be anything, be kind.