Confronting A Nine Year Old´s Query

A token of love and memory to all our childhoods!

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Yes, I did. Yes I did stand still, a little shaken,

a little awaken.

Amidst the sweet scented jasmines, the roses, with the warm ray of sun and the gentle breeze

of air, both questioning and answering me.

Yes I did. Yes I did stand still to the one question she placed so easily infront of me, with her bright innocent eyes, her mouth filled with rasberries,

And me with my polished shoes, my 18 years of academic degree, I stood still to this one question!" Will life always be this fun for me??"

To this naive little one,

How would I explain? The unsolvable riddles that the world was ready to place in her feet,

How would I tell her ? That the burden of responsibilities life was waiting to keep in her shoulders,

How would I convince her?

That many a times she would have to understand that tears are more true that smiles,

How would I teach her?

That those who pat her back with the right would have a sword in the left,

How would I remind her?

That her sweet laughter and charm could be a tool used against her

How could I ? And with what words would I unavel the cruelty that time might have in store for her?

How could I? With my own delusions and confusions

explain to her that the fairyland that she dreams and longs to hear,

will slowly wither as her age grows, and childhood goes......

By Rajani Regmi

From: Nepal