Good morning! Once again, the sun bathed the room in its warm, golden light, gently chasing away the shadows. It was as though the world had been touched by brilliance, and in that still moment, the sunlight seemed to cleanse everything it graced. I stood by the window for a while, soaking in the warmth, feeling the promise of a new day unfold before me. After a few moments, I washed my face, the cool water grounding me in the present, refreshing my senses and shaking off any lingering sleep. With renewed energy, I set off for school, ready to embrace whatever the day had in store.

At school, I had four classes lined up, but they seemed to fly by, as if time itself had quickened its pace. Once the day’s lessons were over, I finally allowed myself to unwind, enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation. I treated myself to some crispy fried chicken, the warmth and flavour of the meal offering comfort after a busy day.

Later, I found myself in a thoughtful conversation with my Russian teacher, our discussion effortlessly drifting from light topics to deeper reflections on life. It was one of those rare exchanges that left me feeling both connected and introspective.

Following that, I spoke with the parents of some prospective English students. They were keen for me to start tutoring their children, hoping I could help improve their skills quickly. I paused to consider my schedule. "If things don’t become too hectic this year, I think I’ll agree to it," I reasoned.

Teaching English has always felt natural to me. It’s straightforward, and students usually pick it up quickly. I couldn’t help but smile as I thought, "English is definitely easier than German." With German, the extra effort is unavoidable — it demands more preparation and explanation, especially when it comes to all the grammar rules. While German can be rewarding in its own way, English feels more intuitive, both to teach and for the students to learn.

As I reflected on it, I realised that while I’m gradually becoming more comfortable with tutoring German, English would be a simpler addition to my routine. "It makes sense," I thought. If my schedule remains as flexible as I hope, I’ll most likely take on these new students.

Though I’m getting used to tutoring German, and it’s undeniably more lucrative, I often find myself investing significantly more time in preparation. German is intricate, full of complex grammar rules and nuances that require careful explanation. It’s not just the teaching, I mused, but all the groundwork beforehand — ensuring I’m prepared to answer every question and break down each challenging concept.

Of course, the extra effort pays off financially, but I’ve come to realise that the time investment can be considerable. It’s profitable, yes, but it also demands a great deal of energy and focus. Unlike English, which flows more easily, tutoring German requires deeper planning, more examples, and often a slower pace with students.

As I weighed the pros and cons, I found myself torn. On one hand, the financial rewards of tutoring German are clear. On the other, the simplicity and ease of tutoring English make it a lighter task — one that fits more comfortably into my routine. In the end, I decided that while I’ll continue tutoring German, I’m more inclined to take on the English students. It’s about finding a balance between time, effort, and reward, I thought, and right now, English feels like the better fit...

After the conversation with my future students, I turned to English literature and recited a few poems by William Blake, John Keats, and Robert Frost. But most striking of all was Stevie Smith’s Not Waving but Drowning, which resonated deeply with me due to its profound meaning and emotional depth.

As I read the poem, I was struck by how powerfully it explores themes of isolation, miscommunication, and the hidden struggles people often face. Its simplicity is deceptive; beneath the surface lies a complex emotional reality — the way people can appear fine, yet suffer internally. The central image of a man who is thought to be waving, but is actually drowning, hit me as a metaphor for how people can mask their pain, making it easy for others to misinterpret their struggles.

The poem begins with the tragic discovery of a man who has drowned. Onlookers remark that he was "too far out" to be helped, yet the dead man’s voice cuts through, explaining that he had always been struggling, not just in his final moments, but throughout his life. This struck me as a poignant commentary on how often we fail to see the true state of those around us. No one realised he had been drowning all along.

What stood out to me most was how the poem speaks to emotional disconnection. The man’s cries for help were mistaken for carefree waves, reminding me how easily we misread others’ distress or fail to notice it altogether. This disconnect between what’s perceived and what’s real feels central to the poem’s meaning, leaving me to reflect on how much we might overlook in others, simply because their suffering is hidden behind a smile or casual gesture.

Stylistically, Stevie Smith’s use of simple, conversational language was particularly striking. It made the poem all the more haunting. The short lines and abrupt structure created a sharp, lingering impact that left me feeling quietly devastated. The casual tone of the onlookers contrasted painfully with the seriousness of the man’s suffering, amplifying the tragic irony.

As I continued to think about the poem, I realised it reflects a broader truth about the human condition – that people often feel misunderstood or neglected in their pain. The phrase "Not waving but drowning" now holds a deeper significance for me, encapsulating how outward appearances can conceal much deeper struggles.

In essence, Not Waving but Drowning is a masterful blend of simplicity and emotional complexity. It’s the kind of poem that lingers with you, and I can see why it has resonated with so many readers over the years. Its relevance to how we understand others' pain remains as powerful as ever..