To Those Who’ve Tried... - By: Priyshi Mehta

To those who have tried,

Who think they'll never arrive,

Know that's the biggest lie in your life.

To those who've been running,

Chasing dreams, slipping off the leash,

Know I'm here, even at your very least.

To those who’ve been stuck in one place,

It doesn't matter who's last, don't dwell on your past.

The world revolves, and so does the wind—

Even though you don’t feel a thing.

To those who doubt their worth,

Thinking how their lives could’ve been better,

Know that we all will find our true north,

Even if it's woven in the harshest tether.

To those who hate their reflection,

Hiding in the pitch dark,

Know that light will always find its way through the cracks,

No matter how long you've been lost in the abandoned park.

To those waiting for their light,

Whether you've walked through the dark already,

Know that light might be far, but it's steady.

You’ll catch it when you're ready.

So to those who've tried...

I know you're tired; I know you're on a wire.

But know you've gotten higher.

Know I'm here.

Please give a detailed explanation about the meaning and main idea of this poem.

This poem is for those who feel lost, stuck, or doubtful about their worth. it reassures them that there are people out there who are willing to listen and help you push through the hardships in life. It's for those who have tried again and again but feel like they haven't or can't reach their goal or anywhere in life. This poem is for those who look at others and wonder if they're a failure for not accomplishing what they have at such an age. This poem is for my friends.

If we look at this stanza by stanza...

The first stanza talks to those who've tried to accomplish something but have been told they'll never get there or that they're a failure or disappointment. Know that's the biggest lie in your life. You never were and can never be a mistake, failure, disappointment, etc.

The second stanza talks about those who're running nonstop and working really really hard just to catch their dreams but every time it's just out of reach, they slip and they're left back at the start. Here I'm assuring them that even though it may seem like everyone is way ahead and you've fallen back, I'll be here even when no one else is.

The third stanza talks about those who feel like they're running in loops or are just 'stuck' in an uncertain place. It doesn't matter how long it might take you but you'll get there eventually.

The fourth stanza explains that even though right now you might not know your end goal but one day you will reach your 'true north'.

The fifth stanza is specifically for those who don't like how they look or believe they will never find the light of their situation. Just know light will always make its way to you and you're probably looking in the wrong mirror if you don't like what you're seeing. You're beautiful just the way you are.

The sixth and seventh stanza is a recap of the whole poem saying that I'll believe in you even if no one else does.

Please explain your writing and thought process regarding this poem.

The thought of writing this was produced when I was talking to my friend who was going through a bunch of personal problems at the time. A few days ago, someone else had told me how they didn't like the way they looked and soon enough I had a list of people who doubted themselves for whatever reason. Hence, I decided to write them all a poem to show them that they're beautiful and enough as they are. Even if the world may be against them, I'll be with them reminding them that they are perfect the way they are and don't need to change for the society and their opinions/bias/views.

Why did you choose to write this poem?

Once again, I chose to write this poem for my friends and anyone who's struggling to find themselves for who they are and appreciate themselves for how far they've come. I know you've tried, I believe you, I'm on your side, and I always will be.

Do you have any tips or anything to share with the youth writers who may be reading this?

Just pour your heart out and write. Don't find the words, let them come to you.