A few have just returned from reaping crops, dry cheeks ruddy from cold
Grass blades glued on their handsewn clothes, Still panting from the exertion
Hands parched scratched from digging out tubers from hard earth
Tiny fingers frayed, a few swollen tender
Continue reading The Humble Childhood – Poem by Kokila Gupta
The UN had tried to negotiate with,
The warring trespassers.
But alas! As anticipated,
The negotiations failed.
Berated, bruised and banged
Her vituperative outburst was slammed
For all her turmoil, she was jabbed and blamed
Her character was splintered and maligned
Continue reading Her Womanhood – Poem by Avni Rahul Katakkar
“Baller, I’m going through the system analysis of the security system, and it’s easy enough for you to get through,” Scar said, desperately trying to get to the priceless diamond worth millions-the eye of Vishnu.
“I’m hacking the system, and it’s done..you can go through Scar!”
“Ok I’m going through, here goes!” Scar said, taking out her screwdriver and breaking in.
Hey! Did you know that I went to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory? How you ask? Well, Willy Wonka kept six golden tickets packed along with his chocolates. I bought one of his chilly crème chocolate and OMG! I got the golden ticket, which is a golden opportunity to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. I was super-duper excited. So, we lucky six children were invited to the chocolate factory. Willy Wonka, I must say, was a tad bit silly and bizarre but no doubt he was a fine chocolatier.
“More Unfairy Tales” by Author T F Carthick is a collection of classic fairy stories re-written with a contemporary twist and a different perspective from their original versions. Five stories have been re-told in this book which make for an interesting and thought-provoking read.
It was a typical, lively Christmas eve. Children were preparing to receive gifts from Santa Claus. Milk and Cookies were set. Stockings were hung.
“Em, what gift have you asked for this time?” Sammy asked his sister, Emma. Emma said that it was a secret and grinned.
They were twins. Kind yet Mischievous. They were well-known for their pranks.
****NEXT DAY****
**CHRISTMAS DAY**
In this life of COVID-19, one day I was chilling out in my room, aimlessly switching the television channels and munching on some fries. Out of the blue, at a totally unexpected time when no one usually visits us, the doorbell rang. Perplexed, I walked up to the door and flung it open. My cousins were on the door! I was shell-shocked to see them in front of me and was about to fall. They traveled by their car to surprise us. I was thrilled and so excited.
Book Title – Hope: Stories for a healthy mind
Author – Pragati Sureka
Genre – Realistic Fiction
Publisher – Scholastic India
Recommended for Age Groups – 5+ years
Book Summary
This book contains three stories about three different kids – Ryan, Kabir, and Shoma – who come across various emotional challenges, which they are struggling to deal with and are unable to share comfortably with their parents. The stories depict the journey of how they overcome their challenges and learn to deal with the circumstances they are in. The book has a separate segment for parents too, with simple guidelines on how to boost a child’s emotional well-being. This book is for parents as well as children for mental health awareness.
Continue reading Book Review – Hope: Stories for a healthy mind
Sitting on a minibus
My heart thumping in my chest
The driver leaking
Chrysanthemum tea
The blinding symphony of lights
Reflecting behind me
Continue reading Hong Kong – The Filling Inside My Dumplings
