Those Golden Days

By Rhea Madhikar

We wore the same clothes,

shoes and socks

laughed over silly jokes, cried for marks.

Took turns, somedays went with fight

searching for a new quote, for the blackboard,

every night.

Morning prayers that the choir sung

national pledge on every tongue.

Everyday complaint about the legs being sore

but its assembly guys. be it hot or cold.

The joy on our faces, as the bell rang

a cliche tradition of punishment- Sit and Stand.

For on that we'd hate the time.

and for now, it's just a nostalgic sight.

Throws and catches, teams made up

coin to be tossed, a whistle to be heard.

Backbenchers had tales to tell-

bunks to plot, late night games

homework undone, fright that paves

yet unbothered, their shame never fell.

Stolen snacks and shared lunches,

gossip whisperings in quiet bunches.

Compass that craved our wooden desks,

marked our reign, etching forever in crooked texts.

Exams, festivals and sports- we've lived them all

those farewell notes, memories scrawl

each word filled with emotions, standing tall

echoes of laughter linger in every hall.

By Rhea Madhikar