The Journey of a Vase – Delhi Poetry Slam

The Journey of a Vase

By Harpreet Nagpal

Ebbing and flowing along the river,
crushing and tossing through the rocks.
Traversing across the beautiful streams,
weathering along the turbulent paths.
Carrying all the stories deep in my heart,
along a long arduous journey.
I finally arrive all seasoned
to the new unknown beginnings.

This is my birth and I'm the clay!

Numerous times,
under tremendous pressure,
you wedged me so hard, and
threw me harsh on life's wheel.
I tremble, I wobble,
I'm spinning too fast,
you lift me up,
and boost my spirits.
You bring me down,
and make me grounded.
I'm so exhausted and I give up.
And then, you again breathe 
a fresh lease on my life.
You twirl me, you elevate me, 
you bring me down.
For a little while more,
in all these upheaving tasks,
you make me so calm and centered,
And I become all primed up,
for the next chapter in my life.

This is my upbringing and I'm the ball of clay centred on (life's) wheel!

You dug me down and stretch open wide,
holding me tight, all this while.
Pulled me up and narrowed me down,
Within my walls, I behold a dungeon,
life gets wobbly and off-centered,
and deep fear, gets me scared.
If you don't hold me gently,
I get broken, I get shattered.
Rescue me or I crumble.
Think of me as a dross,
and I may moulder.
Hold me gently,
and with subtle pressure,
I may still thrive the struggle.
You may want to mould me your way,
But I have my wings that flutter.
Neglected and dejected if,
I get withered.
Guide me through focus and balance,
I turn out to be a beautiful treasure!

This is my life's struggle and I'm an uncooked vase!

Wait, there's more to me.

Take me off the wheel and keep me aside,
covering your beautiful treasure,
For a slow gentle dry.
Embarking upon a new journey,
I get ready for turning and trimming.
You further shape me up, and do carve,
to turn me into a beautiful piece of art.
I'm dunked in beautiful colors,
only after I get completely brittle,
and it keeps me wondering,
How long will last my struggle?
To the unknowns of my imaginations, 
I'm unaware of the upcoming tussle.
The real trials now begin,
you put me to the unforgiving element fire,
and I found myself in a melee.
I grapple, I scuffle, I brawl.
And I spare no efforts,
to come out my best.
I kept pegging away inside,
you hardly felt my grind.
After a real long tussle,
perseverance and endeavours,
grafted a way.
The wait was getting over,
and the destiny doors were opened.
Not before my long arduous journey,
to find me bright and sparkling.
Resplendent, splendid and stunning!

This is my bright and beautiful future and I'm an exquisite vase!


55 comments

  • I must say, it was an absolute delight! Your ability to weave such vivid imagery and emotion into your words is truly remarkable. The way you captured the essence of the subject matter was both moving and thought-provoking.

    Your choice of language and the flow of the poem were impeccable, making it a joy to read from start to finish. The depth of your expression and the creativity you showcased are truly commendable. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem. Keep up the fantastic work!

    Tushar
  • Keep it up didi
    Future poet
    Very well done

    AmandeepJaiswal
  • A journey very nicely penned down. Keep it flowing.

    Sangram
  • Such a beautiful portrayal of the hardships of life and how we are all reborn time and again.
    Very nice Harpreet, keep going!!!

    Ashita
  • Beautifully expressed….keep it Harpreet Maam

    Anuj
  • Beautifully expressed. Very touching . Keep it going!

    Pooja Ratnakar
  • I’m truly in awe after reading it coz it somehow felt like I am reading about the transformation of a human as well not only the clay.
    It was splendid to read. :-)

    Koeli Mukherji
  • What a powerful and evocative poem and language is rich and expressive . Well done and keep it up 🎉

    Nayani Jasola
  • Great work Harpreet, keep it up, love your writing

    Taranjeet K
  • I only met the author once but the impact she left on me is immeasurable. The same impact reflect in her work. Impactful poetry.
    Only love to you, harpreet.

    Asha S
  • Namskar ma’am
    Yah kavita ati sundar likha h apne .

    Ajay Kumar
  • Wow Harpreet…this is so beautiful and relatable…you have captured the journey so well..keep up the great work👏👏

    Monica Tripathi
  • Real hero’s Life’s struggles shape like a vase on a potter’s wheel. Trials and tribulations test strength, but perseverance and hard work refine him. After a long, arduous journey, I emerge stronger, brighter, and more resilient, ready to shine in all my splendor, a masterpiece of life. Same as vase

    Rakshit Verma
  • Beautiful poem…. Keep it up.,… God bless 💗

    P R S Kirola
  • Beautiful lines with Beautiful work
    Amazing poetry
    Keep itup❤️

    Ashmeet kaur
  • This is beautifully written 👏🏻 Your words are so touching 💓

    Sonika
  • Written so beautifully. Again a masterpiece. As amazing as you are.

    Titiksha
  • I just finished reading your poem, and I’m truly in awe. What a stunning, layered, and evocative piece—you’ve not only captured the essence of life’s struggles and transformations but have done so with such grace and power. The metaphor of clay—tossed, shaped, grounded, uplifted, and finally fired into something exquisite—is profoundly moving.
    Each stanza feels like a chapter of resilience, and your words reflect an emotional intelligence and depth that are both rare and refreshing. I found myself pausing often, not just to admire your craft, but to reflect on my own journey as well. That’s the mark of a truly gifted poet.

    Lakhbeer
  • Loved every bit of it. ✨️🫶

    Bableen
  • I feel happy to see your work hard. It’s a result of your hard work. Clay is a opportunity you have desire shape what you want.. Excellent ture journey of clay. I salute Reena ji… your dedication.

    Rakesh chandra
  • I feel happy to see your work hard. It’s a result of your hard work. Clay is a opportunity you have desire shape what you want.. Excellent ture journey of clay. I salute Reena ji… your dedication.

    Rakesh chandra
  • The poem “The Journey of a Vase” by Harpreet Nagpal uses the metaphor of clay being shaped into a vase to represent the human journey of growth, struggle, and transformation. Just like clay undergoes pressure, shaping, drying, and firing before becoming a beautiful vase, human life goes through hardships, challenges, and perseverance before achieving maturity and fulfillment. .
    Life is a process of molding and transformation. Hardships and struggles are essential for growth and beauty.
    Every challenge shapes character. Pressure, pain, and effort ultimately lead to resilience and inner strength.
    Patience and perseverance lead to reward. Just as clay needs time to become a vase, human beings need time and trials to evolve.
    Guidance and balance are important. Support during struggles can prevent breaking down and help in achieving potential.
    Beauty emerges from adversity. The final exquisite vase symbolizes the bright future awaiting after enduring life’s fires.
    Thee poem is about life’s challenges and hardships are like the potter’s process of shaping clay — difficult yet necessary — leading to personal growth, maturity, and the creation of something beautiful and meaningful. ..

    PankajPant
  • All beautiful things are born from struggle. Just as the dawn rises only after the darkest hour, every soul that shines has walked through shadows. There’s pain behind grace and chaos behind every calm. Such a wonderful imagery crafted in words, Harpreet — truly soul-stirring. Congratulations!
    Satender
  • Beautiful…So vivid in it’s imagery

    Divya Gupta
  • It speaks the volume of in-depth feeling from heart what a great way to connect !!!! Truely awesome .❤️❤️

    Nirmal Singh Kukreja
  • So Beautiful. Looking forward to more.

    Shilpa
  • Brilliant poem! Resonates so well with the unpredicted journey called life

    Ancy
  • I loved the way you blurred the line between the artisan and the clay – its an intriguing concept – if clay could talk: i wonder what echoes of the past they could bring to our present and carry into our future. May your lovely soul continue to inspire and be inspired through all its time in this mortal realm!

    Pramit
  • Beautiful poem
    Keep it up ❤️💕

    Jagrati Joshi
  • No one could have put journey of clay better than the artist herself !!!Amazing

    Supreet kaur
  • Dear Harpreet,
    Your words move like a potter’s hands gentle, purposeful, and full of reverence. You gave voice to the clay, and in doing so, reminded us that every creation carries a story of struggle, surrender, and spirit.

    Thank you for letting us witness that journey through your artistry, both in form and in verse. Great going👏👍

    Madhurima
  • the vase’s journey from mountain soil to a beautiful object mirrors the human journey from birth through struggles to a meaningful life.❤️❤️ so meaningful poem .. well written

    Neelam Jaswal
  • It’s a very beautiful poem. I could totally relate to the evolution and resilience of clay and the optimism for future. Keep it up Harpreet:)

    Anudeepika
  • Too Good! Harpreet. Outstanding imagination and expression!
    From Pondering on Excelsheets to pottery to poetry, is there anything that you can’t do? :)

    Keep it up, waiting for the 2nd book.

    Vishesh
  • This poem is a lyrical masterpiece, vividly tracing the clay’s tender journey from raw earth to a stunning vase, with imagery that inspires awe at the transformative power of art. Truly awesome

    Dr Ajeet Singh
  • What beautiful lines dear.. awesome 👏👏

    Deepa
  • Its a very lively poem
    I connect the clay journey with my life’s journey really a commendable job

    Saravjeet kaur
  • Beautiful ❤️❤️

    Nutan Tyagi
  • So very beautifully written

    Pritika
  • Absolutely delightful poem!

    Sudha
  • This is absolutely beautiful—every word is woven with such depth and meaning. I truly felt the emotion in each line and loved every single word from the heart.

    Kokine
  • Wowww ,,the way you have infused life in clay and embodied the idea of a vase being a living n breathing entity, it feels as if the vase itself is speaking to us.
    Very beautifully engaging poetry.

    Bsb
  • Wow beautiful…lovely blend of art,language n creativity….loved every bit of it…

    Dipika Jain
  • A beautifully crafted metaphor of life and growth. The journey from raw clay to a stunning vase captures the pain, strength, and transformation we all go through. Powerful, emotional, and full of hope!

    Daljeet Singh Nagpal
  • Beautiful rendition 👌🏻

    Alka Parbat
  • Brilliant work, Harpreet.
    The visuals are breathtaking, the harmony flows effortlessly, and the creativity is absolutely enchanting.
    A truly remarkable creation—pure genius."

    Vinay Asthana
  • How philosophical, eloquent, you’ve weaved Clay, life and poetry into an emotional expression .. Keep doing such good work . Jadoo ki Japphi 🤗

    Meena Vohra
  • Very beautifully carved the pot as poetry❤️it is indeed splendid.keep it up harpreet.😍

    Renu gupta
  • Beautiful and deeply philosophical poetry. Thank you and congratulations

    Ranjana Subberwal
  • Beautiful Express the journey of clay,its ups n down in his path but at the end it overcome from all the hardship n obstacles n keep moving
    Got bright n beautiful future .
    All theBest Harpreet 👍

    Sonika

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