Dr. Amrinder parodies Love in the Times of Cholera for children, in the unending Corona scare, exclusively for Different Truths.
What is this childhood so full of fear? With masks and sanitisers in every gear. Prevention, precaution in every venture With no scope for fun and adventure. Instructions follow them everywhere That curb natural instincts and scare. Don’t touch this and don’t do that Stay away from warm human contact. No hugging, no kissing, no handshake. Of such a life what does one make? Under house arrest year after year Three years in a row, is a long time dear, Yet, this is the only life that 3-5 years old know. And indoors their wilted little souls grow. Sunshine, breeze, rainbows, and rain They only see through their windowpane. TV, videos, online games and online classes Nowadays for pleasure and teaching passes. No school to go to; no playground to run, These kids are missing out on so much fun. No dance, no drama, no singing together. These birdies of a feather can’t flock together. No skating, swimming, debate competitions So many don’t, restraints and restrictions. No waving goodbye to parents from the school bus window. No whip of cold on red cheeks as winter winds blow No ‘best friend’ reserving a seat for you by his side No sharing of secrets and gossip during the ride. Friends that last for life are made in school, we know But of chuddy buddies, how will these children know? What is a birthday celebration if, on that special date, You cannot distribute candies amongst classmates? Or call friends over for cake cutting and party games In birthday caps, weird goggles with funny names. And receive real presents, a book, a game, a toy Which they can open later with whoops of joy. If only the ‘new normal’ was so not abnormal If only they could live in the ‘old normal’. Where seesaws, monkey bars, slides, and swings Were not, virus-smeared monstrous things. Where climbing trees and scraping knees. Were accepted by parents with resigned ease When, After making mud pies and soiling shirts and skirts With mask-less faces and cheeks streaked with dirt. These tired little cherubs (devils) home did arrive, They did not send paranoid parents into overdrive. Mothers, Just led them to the bathroom without much ado Knowing, it was nothing a good scrub wouldn’t undo. If only, If only we could turn the relentless clock back And give our children their childhood back.
Visual by Different Truths
Dr Amrinder Kaur Bajaj is a senior gynaecologist, an award-winning author, columnist, and poetess. She also writes editorials for newspapers like The Times of India, Tribune and India Express. At present, she is attached to FMRI (Fortis Memorial Research Institute) Gurgaon. She also teaches Minimally Access Surgery to national and international postgraduate doctors at The Medicity Gurgaon.
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