A fresh page...

Open Sesame readers write verses about new beginnings

Begin anew

Begin the New Year with

No resolutions to make, no promises to keep

A fresh page with

Thoughts of the poor and hungry

The sad and lonely, the sick, and the old

Women and children.

On a fresh page, remember

That all progress in society

Takes place outside one’s comfort zone.

Hence, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly.

On a fresh page, I say

‘A very Happy New Year to one and all’

— Adelia Raphaela, 12, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Gentle prayers

I crave to begin a fresh page,

As I enter into my new age,

By offering prayers to the Almighty,

Seeking peace and prosperity.

May God grant me health,

As health is wealth,

May He help me build character,

As a foundation for my future.

I pray to Him with reverence,

To provide me with good qualities,

Such as humility and kindness,

And to help people in distress.

— Kashvi Karthik, 8, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Pages of wonder

Every time I write,

A fresh page opens with delight,

Making it a hobby

In my new lobby.

With freshness and delight,

Grabbing my pen, I start to write,

With words full of wonder,

And not in a slumber.

My new, fresh page shines with light

In the starlit night.

— Laaibah Asna, 11, Hubballi, Karnataka

Hope ahead

Turn over the page, leaving nostalgia behind,

Just like how spring blooms flowers,

Forgetting the withered nature of autumn.

Memories are gold, but it’s hope that finally shines brighter,

So turn the page, just like turning a new leaf.

Not just a page, but a year of possibilities,

Where dreams turn into reality.

And remember, the pen is yours, and the story is yours to write!

— S Hamshika, 14, Bengaluru, Karnataka