My school days are, now, over, <br />But, to this day, I remember: <br />First, when I was admitted to the nursery, <br />I was as frightened as could be. <br />I looked around and wanted to flee; <br />Many little unfriendly eyes stared at me, <br />The stern-looking teacher, wearing a white saree, <br />With her sunken eyes, thro’ her glasses, glared at me. <br />I was made to sit in the first row. <br />Then, with a stick, she began to show <br />The number, on the board, which were written. <br />She said, “Say with me children, ONE.....” <br />“ONE, ” In unison my obedient classmates cried, <br />But, I couldn’t, for my throat had dried. <br />My eyes were on the long, thin stick <br />Which, to the deepest core, made me feel sick. <br />Thenafter, the sequence of troubles started. <br />Next morn, at eight, I was in bed. <br />Mummy came to awake me, <br />“You’ll be late to the school”, said she. <br />“I’ll never go there.” I declared. <br />I shed tears and screamed, but wasn’t spared. <br />Everyday, there were long sessions of weeping, <br />Till late hours, I kept on “sleeping”. <br />When “woken up”, I would say, <br />“I will not brush my teeth today <br />Because if at all I do so, <br />To the horrible school, I will have to go.” <br />Our neighbour’s son would be rushed to call the “police”. <br />Almost everyday, the school-bus I used to miss. <br />I, thus, was a fortnightly visitor. <br />Today, like a dream all this appears! <br />The other day, we met our old neighbour. <br />Looking at me she exclaimed, “Oh dear! <br />When you cried while going to the K.G. <br />I never thought, with distinction, you ‘ld pass higher secondary! ” <br /> <br /> <br />(28.07.1989)<br /><br />Vanita Thakkar<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/kindergarten-days/
