The Child in You

  •   Fri, Mar 20 2015
  •   By Anita Britto, Auckland

March 20, 2015

 

The Child in You


My hair more salt than pepper now I try to act my age
Pretend I’m deep in thought and contemplating like a sage
I do not have the answers, though every now & then
I spout out several platitudes as if I’ve mastered Zen


I’m no Socrates or Oprah though I seldom go to bed
Without questioning my actions or things I’ve left unsaid
When I weigh my Rights and Wrongs, I hope I’ve done more good
The urge to choose the easy path I hope I have withstood


Aware that years are fleeting by now that I’m forty eight
I reach out to the ones I love knowing Time won’t wait
I hug them and I tell them that they mean the world to me
While I take control of Life and steer towards my destiny


All I have are finite heart beats and the best of it I’ll make
Of every living moment while I learn from each mistake
No paragon of virtues and light years from perfect
I try to hear my inner voice and keep my ego checked


A part of me is sensible, a part of me still wild
A part of me all grown up though at times a silly child
Despite my Schopenhauer quotes I love to play the fool
Scrape my knees and skin my heart and break just every rule


You do not have to delve deep, my Achilles heel to see
A glimpse into my soul reveals complete transparency
Endearing flaws and foibles - says my significant other
Imploring me to stop playing pranks sounding just like my Mother


Appealing to that facet of my personality
That can't restrain my passion and my curiosity
I blow some bubbles, play with leaves - Embrace the child within
Live life to the fullest just like Huckleberry Finn


I stomp and splash in puddles and like a pillow fight
Love to see old folks hold hands which is an awesome sight
I follow my unfettered dreams and celebrate each day
While trying to face the challenges encountered on the way


Am reminded of a story – an old Cherokee tale
One which resonates with me – just like the Holy Grail
It talks about two wolves in us – both fighting hard to win
One leading us to goodness, the other one to sin


The evil wolf is full of greed, of arrogance and pride
Envious and spiteful just like Mr. Hyde
The wolf that's more like Jekyl urges us to do our best
Evoking noble feelings trying to help us to pass the test


While life can be a tough game - not quite Pinterest perfect
Values that will help us are compassion and respect
The child in you is innocent and treats all folks the same
Listen to that kid and you will win just every game.

 

 

Anita Britto Archives:

 

 
By Anita Britto, Auckland
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Comment on this article

  • Moin Shariff, New Zealand

    Fri, Feb 23 2018

    Very well seamed together, words and thoughts alike!

  • anita britto, Mangalore/Auckland

    Mon, Apr 06 2015

    Thank you each and every one of you for your appreciative and encouraging comments.Made me very happy to read them.

  • Ruben Pinto, Australia

    Tue, Mar 24 2015

    What can say for a poem that lifted my soul to joyous heights.
    More god bless.

  • Richard Lewis, Udyavar/Bangalore

    Sun, Mar 22 2015

    Another great poem from Anita, keep writing, God bless

  • Pamela Alvares , Mumbai

    Sun, Mar 22 2015

    Brilliant Anita..

  • Sandra Correa, Canada

    Sun, Mar 22 2015

    The poem is absolutely brilliant which is in tune with Anita's work.
    Very inspiring dear Anita, I hope you will continue writing. God bless!

  • Lilian Britto, Bangalore

    Sat, Mar 21 2015

    Great poem Anita. "A glimpse into my soul reveals complete transparency". This really describes you- your openness and childlike acceptance of everyone

  • Dr.Anand & Geeta Pereira, kadri

    Sat, Mar 21 2015

    We always look forward for your poems and the lovely sensitive message it holds for each of us. Thank you for your time and creativity.

  • Jyoti Raj, Auckland

    Sat, Mar 21 2015

    Another masterpiece....well said.

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Sat, Mar 21 2015

    Thanks Anita for another great piece.
    Yes , the Child in us should always be kept alive and wonder at our being as well as the amazing constantly changing and evolving world around us .

  • margarita saldanha, london

    Sat, Mar 21 2015

    Brilliant poem, like each of the 21 already published.you write from your heart, and the profound words of wisdom and good sense that flow from your pen show what a wonderful philosopher and guide you are

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Fri, Mar 20 2015

    The first 'inner voice' in you always supports truth. Never trust the second, third , etc etc....If done-everything goes haywire.
    If you make a habit of crushing this first 'innocent-child like voice' which guides you often, then it sinks into oblivion never to resurface again.'Mr Hyde' takes over then so that you do everything from which you want to 'hide' later. You will then put on so many faces that you yourself are confused.'The 'Child in you' dies
    and then there's nowhere to go.
    Class depiction Madam Anitha as always and don't you have a way with words!
    God bless.


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