My Apology, You Win

By: Riyana Melvani

On the dawn of the new decade, I made my Earthly debut 

Amidst the holiday cheer and hullabaloo

I mutated and floated to people like you

Only to be treated like the seasonal flu

Once I gained strength and momentum

I spread like wildfire, my growth immeasurable in per centum

From tiny villages in China to populated cities in the United States

Television channels were tracking my hourly updates

I was hostile and angry and met with frowns

My actions created numerous lockdowns

I managed to leave workers unemployed 

My victims could run, but my wrath, they could not avoid 

As I started to make more of an appearance

My human targets took on a new level of adherence 

With masks and gloves serving as barriers

I was left with fewer carriers 

With schools, colleges and offices closed to all

Human creativity and resilience stood tall

Tools such as Teams and Zoom

Provided a much needed bloom

As brutal and severe as I became

Humans stayed focus on their aim

Even as I killed their loved ones and left them in dismay 

They proved that they were here to stay

The healthcare worker became the hero

Strongly determined to bring me to a zero

They saved patients and helped families with their grief

Of their sleep and well-being, I was the thief

They didn’t sit back while I stole the show

Instead, they formed a vaccine when I began to grow

They tended to everybody they could and worked with immense care

The world nurtured a sense of hope, families sent out a prayer 

When I no longer had the same effect I once did 

And my fury these humans had seemed to get rid 

They came back stronger than before 

Losing some fights, but ultimately winning the war 

After my era reached its end 

Mankind began to transcend 

They had made a breakthrough in history 

And solved something once considered a mystery

The parks were flooded once again

With children wiser and tougher than back then 

Even, the youth had grown from my impact 

And are now more equipped to be our future leaders, in fact

Someday, when you tell your kids about the years in which I existed 

Be sure to mention the fact that the world, even you, persisted 

From doctors to nurses, to teachers, to those on the front line

When their powerful voices ring through the air

I can’t help but stare 

And think that this world is one beyond compare

Clue

By: Riyana Melvani

I am an actor and performing is my pride and joy

I love to break the “ fourth wall” it's something we can destroy 

I sing when I cannot speak 

My friends say I’m talented, I do have good technique 

I make you laugh, I’m funny in your eyes 

But one slightly rude remark, and my confidence dies 

I’m told I seem like “the happiest person ever” 

It’s true, I have a lot of joy in my life 

But I see the monstrosities happening in the world, I’m very clever 

I’m five foot four and half, I say I’m five foot five

Sometimes I feel like the loudest person in the room, maybe I’m just the most alive 

I often think about my future 

It feels like I’m planning my whole life

When really, I want to be spontaneous, just be happy, and thrive

My doctor says I’m a hypochondriac 

Constantly, I diagnose myself with diseases I’ve never even heard of 

I will admit, death is something I fear

Not just mine! I can’t bear the thought of losing someone dear 

So? I’m better at talking than listening 

Nothing holds me back from stating my mind 

I’m firm in what I believe in, it’s not something that needs repositioning 

My heart is a glass door, and sometimes I wish it weren’t so clear

People take advantage of me, their comments I can hear

It’s said “ I’m way too quick to trust” 

I wish people would do only what is just

Nothing in this world is original anymore 

I want to stand out, not just be a bore 

Anything I ever say has been said before 

So, I feel as if I have a tiny voice, not a big loud roar

My friends are like the gas to my car

They fuel my happiness; they raise my bar 

I wish I could see them more

They make me who I am, at the core

I don't like to see the days pass by 

I need to be successful, so I must try 

But, I'm just me and you’re just you 

Do we even know what we're doing, do we even have a clue?

A Love Letter to my Friends: 

By: Riyana Melvani

If only I spoke to you sooner

I wouldn’t have missed all your beautiful traits and great sense of humor 

You are always there to hear me out

I know I can trust you, without a  doubt 

You hear my unspoken words

Your voice so sensational, almost like singing birds

I know you think of me, like I think of you 

That’s how I know our friendship is real, it’s true 

There is no simpler way to put this, 

Being drawn to you is something I couldn’t resist 

When I’m down, you blow me a kiss 

You make my days pure bliss

Where I’m From Poem

By: Riyana Melvani

I am from the Sound of Music

From solfege and sopranos 

I am from elongated, elegant, enchanting, chandeliers 

Whose shadows follow me when I turn my back 

From marble glass floors and cozy brown blankets

I am from diversity and differences 

I am from the Catskills in upstate New York

Where t-mobile never works 

I am from the fosse and the forum 

A life with no boredom 

I am from Joey and Janice

“How you doin” and central perk 

I am from “Pivot” and “We were on a break” 

The scenes were incredible, hard to believe they were fake 

I am from tiny mics and shining lights

Adjudication and opening nights

From revolting children and Mrs.Honey

From Eyore and the little bunny

I am from 12 hour flights 

And soaring kites

I’m from a world full of adventure 

Two colorful passports I have for sure

I am from “Goodnight Riyana”, and “Sweet dreams mate”

I didn’t know I was capable of feeling that much hate

Breaking my heart little by little 

My soul was shot by your missle

I am from miraculous merry days of May 

I am from “yas” and “slay”

Your constant excitement keeps me going 

My energy is fueled by your laughs

I am from the small stairs where I sat with my closest friends

Pairs of us claiming parts that would keep us from being blinded from the sun

I am from her hugs, the only ones that would always brighten my day

Oh, her sweet voice and smile, and her love she would always convey

I am from waking up on top of a book 

To going to bed with it fallen on my face

I am from deciphering texts and discussing architectonics

It all started when I read a comic 

I am from my other half, my twin, and my shining light

I tie the Rahki on him, for me, he will show his might

From his constant taps and amazing rhythm 

His code of happiness is the perfect algorithm 

I am from two influential, incredible individuals 

I am from Malti and Vinod

Both guide me through this wondrous, winding, and whimsical road 

I am from the sun that will someday swallow the only earth we have ever known 

I am from love, which at the end of the day is only a shout into an empty void 

I am from Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters

I am from the world of literature, the poets, the actors and authors 

I am from glistening eyes and glamourising music 

From Gotye and Green Day

From singing karaoke when I’m home alone 

Belting with a voice I truly own 

I am from “You are my sunshine” and “Edelweiss”

And a family I am so lucky to have 

Almost as if I won when rolling the dice

Untitled

By: Riyana Melvani

As I rest on your shoulder 

You tell me to take life step by step, 

To take my time and try not to climb the boulder

You listen with a soul of silver and a heart of gold 

What incredible traits you behold 

When I feel all my strength is gone, I long for you 

Because I know you will hear me through and through

Your mere presence, I feel, is all I need 

When you came into my life, it was almost like planting a seed

It soon grew into a beautiful flower

My expectations, it would exceed

The flower reminds me of all the beautiful things 

Oh, she’s sounds so lovely when she starts to sing

As she blooms, she will soon face the sun 

Up above the grass, she will feel as if she has won

During the drought and lack of rain, this flower will sustain

Rain or shine, she keeps her dazzling hue

Everyday she’s a magnificent view 

You mean more to me than you know

I’m so glad your seed sprouted long ago