100 Pieces - A Memorable Journey

100

This is my 100th post on Vocal Media. It's a good opportunity to look back on this journey. I hadn’t really thought of doing so, but someone made me realize that it’s worth it. Thank you, Maryam!

Where did this journey begin?

I never thought I would write a story, a poem, or anything else. The only writing I ever did was filling out school homework notebooks, and as a naive student, I found that exhausting and annoying. At most, all I knew about writing was that when teachers were teaching in class or were present, there was a strict rule: silence must be maintained. That's all. So my friend and I used to pass notes to talk to each other; it was an easy way out. And the fun part is, we never got caught, as far as I remember. When school textbooks taught us poems by Robert Frost, Pablo Neruda, John Keats, Adrienne Rich, Kamala Das, Robin Klein, W.B. Yeats, and many other great poets, and short stories by writers like Alphonse Daudet, Anees Jung, William Douglas, Eleanor Estes, Anton Chekhov, etc., I can honestly say I had no interest in those poems and stories. Their emotional weight had an impact only to a certain extent, and only for a short time, as long as the teacher was in the classroom. I had no interest in writing back then. I never thought about writing stories or poems. I never thought I could write. I changed many schools, and with each one, I made new friends. I was lucky to have good friends every time. But none of them ever wrote poems or stories, or did journaling-in short, no one had anything to do with writing. And unfortunately, most of those friends are no longer in touch with me. In the end, only four remain, and the fourth one is me. So, my school life came to an end like that of a typical student, full of memories and knowledge, as much as I could gather. However, there was one time during school when I wrote something that wasn’t connected to academics or any kind of formal education. It was a small opportunity to showcase creativity, and to be honest, for me, it was a compulsion. One day, our political science teacher gave the whole class a strict order: the entire class would go to the park, sit there, and everyone would write something; no one would be allowed to move until they showed him what they had written. Unfortunately, this was just before the games period, and I wanted to play cricket, so I had to write something. Otherwise, I ended up not playing that day. Until that day, I had never written anything, so it was quite challenging for me. We had only forty-five minutes. Most of the boys and girls probably wrote short reviews of movies or about their favorite film stars or things they liked. Although everyone was writing something, but that innate desire to create something unique, which every person feels, arose in me too. So, I created and wrote a short fictional story, which was over 100 words, about a dog. I don’t remember what I wrote in that story now, but it was an emotional one. When everyone showed the teacher their writings, he didn’t react to anyone’s work as much. But when he read mine, and I saw that he read it fully, and after they said to me, “This is a very good story. You should keep writing.” But though even after that day, I didn’t write for a long time. Then, much later, I read something that perhaps awakened the writer inside me and ignited a passion and fire for writing. And to be honest, I started writing out of a selfish desire. One day, I read somewhere, maybe in an article, words that went something like this:

"A writer has the extraordinary power to immortalize things, people, events, imaginations, dreams, characters, and memories, everything that fades or gets lost with time, a writer makes them eternal.”

These words deeply moved me. When I thought about it more deeply, I believe this is where my writing journey began. I said to myself like a naive boy: I too can make something immortal. At least I can’t be that bad at it. But I didn’t know how to write. So, I watched a lot of videos and read many articles. That’s when I realized that writing is not just a talent, it’s an art. Everyone thinks, everyone imagines, but to shape those emotions into words is a skill not everyone possesses. Everyone has their own unique identity; everyone can write. This inspired me, and I realize writing is such a beautiful way to spend time with oneself. And so I began writing. Maybe I didn’t know what to write or how to write better, but when you keep writing continuously, with every piece, you find yourself better than before. One day, I came across Vocal Media and, without thinking much, I posted something. A few hours later, a girl named Alyssa Wilkshore commented, “Amazing.” That’s when I realized how much difference a single word can make. It was truly inspiring. Thank you, Alyssa. After that, I started posting more poems and stories — and that’s how this journey began. Writing has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for me. It brings me closer to myself, and maybe that’s why I don’t feel lonely anymore.

I'm not lonely; I'm with the one who knows me well – Myself.

The real journey begins here

Then one day, I read someone’s poem and commented on it. That moment changed everything. It gave me a strong reason to still be here. Her name is MARYAM BATOOL, a companion, a sister, and someone who made this journey more joyful and incredible. It was the first time I truly felt how someone's presence can inspire you. The bond we share is the strongest I’ve experienced — unforgettable. Though the countries we belong to are currently going through one of the most tragic phases in their relationship, But we are still here, and that’s the most beautiful part of it. Because Mankind was created by God, and borders were created by man. To me, humanity is above everything. No person from any country is an enemy to anyone here. I will always be thankful for your support and for being with me. I also met many incredible creators and friends here who supported me, And I’m thankful to each one of them. For a 19-year-old boy, this means a lot. To anyone who has ever read even a single one of my poems or stories. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. For a writer, the most inspiring thing is not awards or money, But simply knowing that someone is reading and appreciating my work. It’s hard to believe that around 10 months ago, I posted my first piece on Vocal. Since then, I’ve continued to stay here, though I never planned to be around for this long. But I’m deeply grateful to Vocal Media, it’s the best platform to showcase the art of writing.

 The best comunity

Now I want to mention a few fellow writers and friends whose work inspired me, Who continuously supported me: Dharrsheena Raja Segarran – You all know her well: The funniest, most consistent reader and supporter in Vocal history, hahaha! Thank you, Dharr, for your support. And you're most welcome. Caitlin Charlton – One of my favorite writers. Every comment from her carries a unique energy. I think she’s one of those rare readers who read with real depth and attention. Thank you, Caitlin, for your support. Anwesha – A brilliant writer and someone who once gave me the biggest compliment I’ve received so far. Thank you, Anwesha. Mark Graham – You've consistently read my work, and for that, I am truly grateful, sir. Mother Combs – Another amazing writer and poet. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your writing, and your support means so much to me. Thank you for reading my work continuously. Rowan Finley – Thank you so much, bro, for your support. I really enjoyed our writing collaboration. Komal – Thank you so much. A collab with you, Maryam, and Jesse is one of the most memorable things for me. Calvin London – An amazing person and incredible writer, it’s an honor that you’ve read my work. Thank you, sir. Verse Voyager – A brilliant young writer. Thank you for your support, Amina. There are so many more wonderful people here whose writing has truly inspired me: Chaotic Minnie, Rick Henry Christopher, Ema Salvi, Ali Sadeek Ahmed, Paul Stewart, JBaz, Lightning Bolt, and many others. If I forgot to mention anyone’s name, I'm so sorry. But please know that I’m deeply thankful to all of you. It means a lot. This journey has been beautiful. I’ve learned so much, met such amazing people, and there's still more to write, more to read, just want to stay here. Thank you so much, everyone."Thank you" may not be enough; what I feel goes beyond those words. God bless you all. I am truly, deeply grateful.

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A/N: Perhaps no one in my family ever wrote a poem or a story, and even now, no one does. I haven’t read any poems or stories, even in my grandpa’s diary. So, this feels like an achievement for me, that I might be the first poet and writer in the family. Although sometimes my brother also writes something. Hahaha

Here are the Top Stories I have received so far.