CHILDHOOD ONCE MORE!

The time when dad were officers

And we were teased in school

By jealous classmates

Of being the user of

Batti wali gaadi!

Moms were moms no matter what they did

But the weapon that was the best was

"Papa ko ghar aane do"

When childhood was free flowing

And marks and sports ruled lives

When we went unescorted to friends houses

And deadlines were honoured

More than life.

Where school meant discipline

Conveyance were rickshaws unless you walked to school

The happening few had cycles

And the neighbourhood was ours to explore.

Where holidays meant dads tours

And vacation homes were

Musty smelling state guest houses.

Food was eaten as served, maggi was a treat in a month.

When TV was doordarshan

Shows were 2 in a week

When the newsreel ran before the film,

And films were a family thing.

Take me back to that life

When dad were officers and moms were just moms.

We were kids.

Carefree. Explorers. Small Towners.