Pencil Parable

It is remarkable how distinctly similar people are to pencils, how a simple, inanimate object can be inspiring. Nearly 14 and a half years and I haven’t looked for a connection till the day we were asked to write a composition based on a presentation on the life of a pencil.

We go through many phases in our lives. As a baby, I was helpless and wouldn’t have survived without being held in caring arms. I don’t think I would live to be such a healthy person with a life of happiness without my family- my mother, father and sister. I don’t recollect being in an extremely grueling stage of life because someone has always been there for me. But I cannot deny the fact that life has never been a smooth road. Many a time, I have taken a wrong turn and had to be forced back on track. These twists and ‘sharpenings’ help me stand up for myself; experience helps me have a better understanding of the world that is ever-changing.

One of the most inspiring virtues is that it is what is on the inside that really matters. Years down the line or after I die, not many will remember my face, my clothes. But no one will be able to erase the memories I left of myself – my words, my actions, the deeds committed. Its inner beauty that people are always cherished for… When a child holds a pencil covered with cute pictures, he will be excited at the sight of a cartoon no doubt, but he will be upset to find that the pencil is no good at writing! Joy comes from within. Every pencil is made to write with, every person born and destined to leave an impression that leaves us embedded in the minds of people.

Not one of us is perfect and for me, it is not easy to correct a mistake after committing it once. But they can soon be erased – never to be visible again in our character. A pencil is perfect in its actions because it has the tools to eliminate errors and leave a perfect picture.

Just as every pencil has a life span (of probably 12cms!), we as humans too have a life span – of how long, no one knows. Keeping in mind the five tenets of a perfect pencil, we can aspire to be good people, showing the world what we truly are.