March 6, 2014

Children bring unbridled happiness in our lives. Whether they are our own kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, or a friend’s kid, they have their own unique way of bringing about smiles and laughter. This poem is about my toddler daughter Caroline and is dedicated to all the tiny tots around the world whose innocence brightens our lives.

(Representational pic)

My Chubby Cherub

She runs and grabs the gravel from the fireplace,
and scatters them like jewels on the clean floor at a fast pace.
Then she climbs on top of the couch and slides down multiple times,
squealing with delight and laughing loudly each time.

Now she comes climbing down the stairs, closing twinkly eyes,
flapping her hands like a butterfly and pretending to swoop down from the skies.
Just when my day seems like a never ending roller coaster,
she drops a cup of sticky orange juice over the counter place and toaster.

Caps, socks, shoes and clothes you will find strewn on the ground,
for she loves dressing up all day long.
I don't detest picking up these things,
putting them back in the right place drives me crazy for I have no wings.

And now when my tiny chubby cherub is fast asleep,
my baffled mind tries to figure out which chore should I finish first in a beat.
Should I fold laundry or should I cook dinner?
or maybe I should clean the house, says my confused voice inner.

For her naps are mere thirty minutes long,
in which I have to battle the household marathon.
And now when my hands are in the midst of soap suds soaked,
I suddenly feel her tiny fingers rubbing against me back and forth.

It’s only mid day and her energy level is like the zenith of the roller coaster,
her naps these days just get shorter and shorter.
As I stand and wonder what will keep her busy,
she disappears for another exhilarating adventure and leaves me tizzy.

The laundry lies unfolded for 3 days in a row,
The floor is sticky and that’s not all you know!
But why should I worry about these minuscule tasks,
When God has blessed me in this lifetime with chubby cherub Caroline to love, I ask…

Giving birth to you my darling Caroline, is a second birth of me,
I thank God for filling my life with so much laughter and glee.
One day you will grow big and I will long to hear the gentle sound of your steps pitter-patter,
so for now enjoying the cute little things you do is all that will matter!