If I Could Live Once Again

By Napuleon Sonowal

If I could live once again —

return to school-life, child-life —

I remember my first day’s nerves,

alone without my parents,

yet rushing into class

as a student for the very first time.

A cute, innocent face — 

thrilled by the uniform,

eager to carry my bag,

to meet friends, to play.

Years flickered by —

new faces, growing bonds.

In those early grades, 

I wished time would hurry —

I dreaded exams,

hid poor marks from my parents,

yet every school morning felt like a new start.

Tiffin shared, punishments together 

whispers, laughter— what more could I ask?

Bad days faded in terms of academics,

and transformation crept in —

when understanding outshone memorization.

From average to topper was just a label;

knowledge with joy was my true prize.

I was still the same —

the same friends,

the same restless spirit,

still a backbencher, 

even as toppers worried about beating me.

To live fully, to follow my passion —

that became my mantra,

and I did.

My respect for teachers stayed true.

Impositions, playful punishments —

these became stories to treasure.

Then— football:

our class, two-time champions!

I led as captain, and as the proud yellow group’s leader —

and shouted at every goal,

those were moments I’d relive forever.

Now, as the end nears —

twelve years vanish like a sigh.

Yet I never cling,

not even to this second home.

The past is a cherished memory,

the future— an open gate.

Still, there’s a child alive within me,

and he’ll remain until the very end.

I left nothing to regret

in this beautiful place:

my school.

But sometimes,

it feels

if only

I could live

once again

By Napuleon Sonowal