The Last Leaf is a moving short story by O. Henry that delves into the themes of hope, sacrifice, and the transformative power of art. The narrative is set in a modest flat in an old building in New York City, where two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, share a close friendship. When Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia during a cold November, her spirit wanes, and she becomes consumed by a fatalistic belief: she will die when the last leaf falls from the ivy vine outside her window.
Despite Sue's efforts to lift Johnsy's spirits by distracting her with conversation and care, Johnsy remains fixated on the leaves, counting them down as they fall one by one. In a desperate bid to save her friend, Sue confides in Behrman, an older artist living on the ground floor who has long dreamed of painting a masterpiece. Behrman’s reaction to Johnsy's plight sparks a chain of events that culminate in a powerful act of self-sacrifice.
In a stormy night, Behrman ventures out to paint a single leaf on the wall, ensuring that Johnsy believes it remains despite the harsh winds and rain. His selfless act not only saves Johnsy’s life by rekindling her will to live but ultimately leads to his tragic demise from pneumonia after braving the elements.
The story concludes with the revelation that the painted leaf is Behrman’s true masterpiece, embodying the themes of sacrifice and the impact of hope on the human spirit. O. Henry’s narrative weaves a poignant tale that illustrates the importance of love and friendship in overcoming despair, leaving readers with a lasting message about the beauty of altruism and the resilience of life.

"Song of the Rain" by Kahlil Gibran is a poetic celebration of rain, personifying it as a life-giving force that nurtures and beautifies the earth. Through rich imagery and spiritual symbolism, the rain is portrayed as a messenger between heaven and earth, bringing joy to the hills, flowers, and fields. The poem explores themes of renewal, interconnectedness, and the cycle of life, with the rain symbolizing both the joy and melancholy that accompany growth and transformation. Gibran's lyrical style highlights the rain's gentle, yet powerful role in nature's harmony.

The extract "My Childhood" from Wings of Fire by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam recounts key moments from his early life in Rameswaram. He reflects on his upbringing in a middle-class Muslim family, the influence of his parents, and the values of honesty, kindness, and self-discipline that shaped his character. The narrative also touches on his friendships with boys from Hindu Brahmin families, highlighting the communal harmony in his town despite social differences. Kalam shares his experiences of social discrimination and how his teachers and elders, particularly Sivasubramania Iyer and Lakshmana Sastry, encouraged him to challenge these barriers, fostering in him a sense of equality and determination. Through these childhood memories, Kalam emphasizes the significance of moral values, early education, and the influence of role models.

Pam Ayres’ poem “Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth” humorously explores the theme of regret over neglecting dental hygiene during childhood. Through vivid imagery and a conversational tone, the speaker reminisces about indulging in sweets like toffees and gobstoppers, which ultimately led to dental woes in adulthood. The poem captures the contrast between the carefree joys of youth and the harsh realities of dental visits, conveying a timeless message about the importance of self-care and the consequences of neglect. Ayres’ witty reflections serve as both a cautionary tale and a light-hearted commentary on the universal experience of growing up.

No Men Are Foreign by James Kirkup is a thought-provoking poem that promotes the ideals of unity, peace, and universal brotherhood. The poet emphasizes that, regardless of nationality, race, or religion, all human beings are fundamentally the same. Kirkup uses vivid imagery and metaphors, such as "uniforms" and "hells of fire and dust," to illustrate the destructive nature of conflict and division. He asserts that beneath the surface, we all share the same physical experiences, breathe the same air, and walk upon the same earth.
The poem condemns war and hatred, reminding readers that when we harm others, we are also harming ourselves. By focusing on the commonalities between people, Kirkup highlights the futility of violence and urges humanity to reject messages of hate and division. Through his message of compassion and empathy, the poet advocates for peace and a deeper understanding of our shared humanity, making the poem a timeless appeal for global harmony.