Those Were the Days!

There was excitement floating in the air, 

My daughters were planning their holidays.

Both were determined to choose the best destination,

The most luxurious resort, 

Serving the world’s best mouth-watering cuisine!

I looked at them and smiled, a contented smile.

How I always cherished these family times! 

Suddenly I was reminded of my childhood days.

Lost in my thoughts, I drifted away.

I found myself surrounded by the immortal memories of those days,

When the world was full of innocence and unfathomable games.

I was caught in the plethora of memories of those days!

A smile lit my face, 

The memories of my childhood surfaced,

And like a naughty child,

It took me on a trip down the memory lane.

I could see myself, playing with my girl gang, 

And whoosh! There came my brother to spoil the game.

His pranks were enough to send me in frenzy,

And after that, I always managed to wriggle my way for he had upset me!

By hook or crook,

I always managed to get him booked! 

Ah! Those were the days!

There were numerous such incidents, 

I still get overwhelmed by their simplicity.

But the fondest memories are of the holidays, 

Spent together in the cool summer nights and warm summer days!

The excitement used to be at the peak.

Buying gifts, for everyone, oh goodness me!

Packing the endless variety of snacks, for the long train journey,

Rushing through the hustle and bustle of the station, to catch the train,

Oh, how I would love to go through all that again!

Gazing out of the window, at the passing scene,

Playing ludo, snake and ladder and reading stories umpteen,

 Or just catching a nap in between!

Now I know how beautiful all that had been!

Ah! Those were the days!

Greeting and meeting everyone at the small, sleepy, station

Was like a celebration!

The last leg of the journey in the Tonga,

Through the lush green fields

Was like a delightful treat!

The sudden squeals of laughter, 

And the stream of tears a moment after, 

Made the family reunions the most cherished moments,

The most precious gifts, treasured like rich endowments!

At mealtimes waiting for your turn to be served,

And snatching a bite from here and there,

Enhanced the taste of the simple food in our plates!

Believe me, not a morsel was left to go waste.

Ah! Those were the days.

After dinner, we would quickly huddle around granny,

Waiting for the magic to unfold!

Under the star-studded night, she would begin in her softest voice the story of the kings and queens!

Year after year the story remained the same, 

But every time it taught us a new value for life!

Which, like a flame stayed with us, and continued to ignite our mind! 

Ah! Those were the days.