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Justice in Verse: When Karma Rhymes with Right

An Uplifting Tale of Poetic Justice Where Good Triumphs with Grace and Integrity

By Muhammad Saad Published 2 months ago 3 min read

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Justice in Verse: When Karma Rhymes with Right

‎In the small town of Greenwood, nestled between whispering forests and sun-drenched hills, stories had a way of unfolding like poetry — some sweet, some bitter, and some with justice so fitting, it felt as though fate itself had picked up a pen.

‎Among its residents was Elena Marlowe, a high school literature teacher known for her soft voice, fierce intellect, and unwavering belief in the power of doing what’s right. She was the kind of teacher who saw potential in every student — especially the ones others gave up on.

‎One of those students was Chase Donovan — smart, witty, and endlessly disruptive. While others saw a troublemaker, Elena saw a mind bursting with creativity. But Chase had a habit of cutting corners, mocking classmates, and using his quick tongue to manipulate situations to his favor.

‎One day, the school announced a prestigious poetry competition. The winner’s poem would be published nationally, and a scholarship would be awarded. Elena encouraged all her students to enter, hoping the opportunity might inspire them, especially Chase.

‎A week before the submission deadline, Chase turned in a stunning poem — vivid, emotional, and mature beyond his years. Elena was astonished. She praised his work but asked, “Did you write this yourself, Chase?”

‎He smirked. “Of course I did.”

‎But something didn’t sit right. The voice of the poem — its depth, its tone — didn’t match Chase’s usual style. That night, Elena did a little research. Within minutes, she found the exact poem online, written by a lesser-known poet in a forgotten blog.

‎Elena was torn. She believed in second chances, but also in truth. Quietly, she took the matter to the principal, presenting the evidence without shaming Chase publicly. The school disqualified his entry without making a scene, but word spread among the students. Whispers followed Chase down the halls, and respect for him faded quickly.

‎At first, he was angry. He called Elena a snitch. He sulked. He skipped class. But as the weeks passed, something shifted. The shame turned into reflection.

‎Meanwhile, another student — Maya Singh, shy and often overlooked — had submitted a modest poem about hope and resilience. It wasn’t flashy, but it was honest. When the judges announced her as the winner, the school was surprised, but Elena smiled knowingly.

‎Months later, Chase stayed after class.

‎“I was mad at you,” he admitted, eyes low. “But you were right. I didn’t write that poem. I just wanted to win… for once.”

‎Elena didn’t scold. She nodded gently. “Wanting to win isn’t wrong. But how you get there matters more.”

‎Chase paused. “Can I try again? I want to write something real this time.”

‎And he did.

‎In the following months, Chase poured himself into writing. His poems weren’t perfect, but they were raw, authentic, and undeniably his. Elena helped him revise, encouraged his voice, and when the next year’s competition came around — Chase submitted a new poem.

‎It didn’t win a scholarship.

‎But it was featured in the school’s literary magazine, and more importantly, it earned him the respect he’d lost. Even Maya congratulated him.

‎“Your voice is strong,” she told him. “Don’t trade it for someone else’s again.”

‎Elena watched from afar, heart full. She didn’t need recognition. The moment justice had been served — quietly, correctly, and with compassion — she knew she’d done her part.

‎Years later, Chase sent her a letter from college.

‎> Ms. Marlowe,
‎You taught me more than poetry. You taught me that doing the right thing doesn’t always feel good at first, but it lasts. Thanks for seeing me when I couldn’t see myself.
‎P.S. I’m majoring in English.




‎---

‎Moral of the Story:

‎Poetic justice isn’t always dramatic or loud. Sometimes, it’s quiet, slow-burning, and deeply human. It’s when the truth gently triumphs, when integrity is rewarded, and when those who stray are guided — not punished — back to their better selves.

‎In a world quick to condemn or cancel, Elena chose correction over humiliation, guidance over revenge. And that made all the difference.

‎Because in Greenwood — as in life — the most meaningful verses are the ones written with honesty, courage, and heart.

Thank you

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