My grandfather

My grandfather is still smart, though old,

Alert in summer, agile in cold.

He takes me to a morning walk,

Side by side we discuss and talk,

Stick in hand, smile on the face,

Full of glitter and shining grace.

Always busy in writing and reading,

Making my grandmother angry and teasing.

Tells me to strive high,

For becoming great, do or die.

— Aruna S. Parmar, Class V, Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Hamirpur

Ride less and walk more,

You will be healthy sure.

Punish less and forgive more,

You will be popular sure.

Talk less and think more,

You will be wise sure.

Fresh flowers, fresh flowers,

Carnations, lilies & tulips.

What beauty.

Lending their colours & colouring your lives.

Bringing a smile in your beloved’s mind,

Lending their quiet grace

When there is an end to mortal life.

Frolicking and prancing in the hands of a naughty child,

Growing wild and adorning the canvas of a wandering brush

in a painter’s mind.

Brightening your mornings

Growing straight and bright

The freshness of fresh flowers

Has a deeper meaning in life

Pointing & growing towards the heavenly skies

Leading a short but colourful life

Giving a message of all that is new & bright

In all our gloomy lives.

— Tina Shah, student, Alliance Francaise, Chandigarh