Turning over a new leaf

 The moment one thinks of an author, one turns the leaf! Yes, mentally, too! That is the sad reality these days. Who reads anything beyond WhatsApp messages and fb forwards, right?

Yet there are some authors who themselves turned over a new leaf. From a convicted, imprisoned criminal to a celebrated author, thus has been their journey. True, incarceration is nothing new for authors as they are highly intelligent, hyper sensitive souls who stand up for their principles. 

Yet there are certain authors who went to jail not for such idealism. They were criminals. They, however, changed for the better, and famously. Let us today look at two examples, an American and an Indian.

Ever heard of William Sydney Porter? No bell rings, right? How about his pen name? O'Henry? Remember that lovely story "The Last Leaf"? Sure you must have read it in your textbook as it is much anthologised. How about that truly touching tale of deep love, "The Gift of the Magi"?

Do you know that the author wrote these soul stirring stories from a prison cell in the Columbus penitentiary? Yes, William Sydney Porter was imprisoned in Ohio for embezzlement. He assumed a pen name, and wrote three hundred stories . With the famous twist in the tale technique, these brilliant stories are a read that readers, who have nothing to do with literature studies, too, love!

Yes, some of you might have remembered Jeffrey Archer. Actually, there are many more such examples. Let us, however, now look at the much promised Indian example. Yes, you guessed it right. I am referring to Maharshi Valmiki.

Truly he turned over a new leaf. In his former life, he was a robber. Cruelty was his middle name.  Once Narada confronted him about the share of responsibility, he understood the realities. In search of The Truth, he undertook a tough penance which totally transformed him. His gentle response kindly invoking tenderness initiated an epic, the Ramayana, and in fact, the entire Sanskrit literary wealth.

In brief, Read a lot. And, Write at least a little! No, you do not have to go to prison. In the process, however, you would sure turn a new leaf!

Pratima@ Change is the only constant. Why not then change for the better, and forever?