Dear Children

By Abha Vishwakarma

You are beautiful flowers

alluring, dazzling and fascinating 

interspersed in the backyard

alley, courtyard, driveway and terrace

everywhere and anywhere

my eyes lay hold of.

Your colours

in red, yellow, orange and ochre

gives me the courage to be fiery and gusty

your colours

in white, grey, purple and pink

reminds me to be dainty, delicate, elegant and graceful

the greens of your leaves and stems

talks of life's  bounty and plenty.

I sing and dance

when you sway with the evening wind

the cool breeze

brush past me

in consonance and in tune

with each note and word

of my composition.

I have kept close to my heart

your heart breaks, disappointments

setbacks and your tears

your happiness, joys and exuberance

has given me reasons to smile.

Each of you has taught me

the unfamiliar, the unknown

and the unheard of

and each day spent with you

is as marvelous and splendid

as the previous one.

You will always remain

untarnished, untainted and unsullied

for me

your unconditional LOVE

pure, saintly and angelic

is the justification, vindication

and explanation

that inspite of its sham and drudgery

the world is still a beautiful place to LIVE.

By Abha Vishwakarma