The Voice of Children

By Aparna J

In this rat race for supremacy and dominance, 

Childhood is slowly losing its innocence. 

Buckling under peer pressure and exam tension, 

Children seek words of comfort and attention. 

Torn between attending school and coaching classes, 

Children have taken to wearing glasses. 

Overburdened with unrealistic expectations and forced dreams, 

“Save me,” pleads childhood amidst tears and screams.

They undergo social scrutiny through the lens of exam results. 

If they fail to deliver, they get humiliation and insults. 

We are ready to bombard them with advice,

But as their parents, do we respect their choice?

Marks do not determine their level of intelligence,

Educational degrees alone do not guarantee the use of common sense. 

Unable to deal with the taunts and jeers, 

Teenagers resort to ending their lives over their failures. 

It’s time to recognize their worth and individuality, 

Irrespective of their level of knowledge or personality. 

Let’s not crush their dreams for our ego and pride, 

Let’s teach them to take their failures in their stride.

It’s never too late to hear them out,

Answer their questions and clear their doubts. 

Their hearts are fragile and tend to break easily. 

Children are the source of joy and happiness to a family.

By Aparna J