Fifteen years ago, my daughter, who was then six years old, deftly delegated the task she was to complete to an unsuspecting father; to select a poem that could be read by her at school. I made the mistake of being presumptuous and thought I would compose a small poem myself, rather than choose one from the book of  nursery rhymes. She laid down conditions in her own assertive manner: she should understand it, like it and most importantly it should be what she feels. How would I really be able to think and feel like a first grader? Putting pen on paper was really tough, and as you have it, the poem selected by her had to meet her teacher’s approval.You would understand my plight! 

Yesterday, my daughter completed her graduation with honours, picked up a job on campus, and would be on her own soon. For any parent, and particularly for a doting father, this is a special moment to cherish when your loved one grows up to be an adult. This posting for me is a tribute to children who define our lives and enrich us with their presence at every single moment where we learn to see the world through their eyes. Children are indeed a great source of happiness.

Here’s the poem I dared to write. Glad to admit that my daughter’s teacher’s approval was initialled in with a comment “Learn it!”  That was my first ‘star’ from a teacher that I cherish till today. My daughter Deepa recited the poem at school, and may have completely forgotten it. I have treasured that piece of paper!  Here it is 🙂

What a Lovely Day

2 July 1996

NS Rajan

I wake up in the morning

With a big big smile

And watch the sun rising 

With a big big smile

I hear the birds singing

And am so so happy

I watch the clouds dancing

And am so so happy

My daddy takes me walking 

It is real real fun

I see the trees playing

It is real real fun

I hear my mummy calling

It is time, time Deepa

Friends in school are waiting

It is time, time Deepa

Here I am singing

My little little song

Are you not enjoying 

My little little song?