Childhood

After church, Abner, Milka and Chandi played on our veranda.

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I love the sound

of children playing

in my house.

The movement of

excited voices,

the verbal tug of war,

reasonings,

explanations

childish arguments

even tattling

all pull at my heart strings

******

I like it so much

because one day, time will

wash away all this away

and the adult mind will

tick like a sophisticated time piece.

*******

The following poem talks about it

When Childhood Dies

You see it in the eyes: The walls are built, Delight replaced by guilt When childhood dies.Afraid to show surprise, Beginning youngIt's best to hold the tongueWhen childhood dies.Uniqueness deemed unwise, One must fit inAnd wear a different skin When childhood dies.Behind adult disguise, A too tight gown, All naturalness shut downWhen childhood dies.You see it in the eyes, At nine or eightBefore, if that's their fate, When childhood dies. by Robert M Wilson

Avinash, Abner and Sonia

Both my BILs Prem and Avinash have zeal

for the Lord 's house.

Today Avinash donated his time and money to have

the front of the church cleaned.

We had a light shower in the morning

so it was cool the whole day.

That was a great blessing.

Sonia 's presence has taken pressure off me and

mother is also eating better.

We 've lived in what is

called "joint family" in India.

So we enjoy company and

people in the house.