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!