Child's Lament

CHILD'S LAMENT


My parents, please do listen,
To words of mine today,
I weep for not the things you do,
But for the things you don't.

You give me toys so nice and pretty,
You buy them with lots of money;
You give me clothes so trendy,
I love to don them daily.

You bring me so much food,
I can hardly eat that much;
You take me so many places,
All the world is but my home.

You answer so many queries,
I truly am so grateful;
You gift me so many presents,
They are so wonderful.

How can I then tell you,
What I really crave for?
Are all these things enough,
For my pretty little soul?

You bring me not the sun,
You get me not the smile,
You fetch me not the caring,
For as you say, you have no time.

You do not stay with me,
Or sit and ever hug me,
You do not sing to me,
Or tell me any good tales.

You do not teach me values,
Nor ever tell me morals,
You do not "buy" me time,
For us to spend together.

You have so much work,
And I have so many needs,
Money can even come tomorrow,
But my past never will.

So take me to the shore,
Or make me listen to birds,
Buy me a little pleasure,
Kiss me on my face.

Live with me a little,
Hug me, mama, please do,
Lift me by the shoulders,
Oh papa, yes, please do.

Get me no more toys or gizmos,
I am sick of them already,
Just bring me your unending love,
And make me feel wanted.

I am your little flower,
Unopened, a bud as yet,
Help me bloom to glory,
Or else I shan't properly grow.

I need the "sprinkle" of your care,
And the "nurture" of your love,
So one day I will be a bloom,
That you will both look at with wonder.

Make my dream come true,
O God Almighty up there,
Make mama and papa open their eyes,
I am waiting for their hugs and kisses.

© Dr. Taher Kagalwala July 2003