Sunday, May 27, 2012

Nostalgia


Raindrops on the roof,
A clink of the gate;
Cries of a little bird 
Every morning at eight...

The tweets of a Sparrow,
The squeaks of a Squirrel;
The rustle of leaves
In the early morning breeze...

The rain-lashed ground,
Ripe fruits in the trees;
The caws of the Crow,
The buzz of the bees...

Flowers of all colour,
Medicinal plants;
The swaying green cover
Of Coconut trees...

A cough of a rickshaw,
Women selling fish;
Squeals of the kids
Splashing mud in the streets...

The growl of the scooter 
Coming up the drive;
Friends across walls
Catching up on life...

The place of my childhood,
The home of my dreams;
I miss the place!
Oh, how I miss the place...

Monday, May 7, 2012

How to brush your teeth, lessons from a 6yr old

My six-(and a half)-year-old was in one of his moods. He wanted to brush his teeth all by himself, without my coming anywhere close, let alone help. There was no point in arguing, so I observed him discreetly while making the bed.
The routine 'eeeeees' and 'aaaaaahs' were heard as the brushing progressed with generous wastage of water from the tap. I kept my words in check.
He ran his finger through the front of his teeth, as he did every time, washed his brush and, before my surprised eyes, began to squeeze the paste out into it again.
"Hello, hello?" I said, rushing to him, and placed a restraining hand on his arm. "Why do you want to squeeze the paste again? Aren't you done?"
"I am going to brush again," he said, picking each word with care whilst I waited impatiently, "because my Doctor Uncle said I should brush my teeth twice every day."