Flightless Birds

Sleepless nights and colic pains, Nappy wash and nappy rash; Wailing and crying, teething and tripping; Oh! When will it be before they grow wings of their own?

Schooling and swotting, Squabbling and screaming, Class work's not done, homework Yet to be done; the endless wails of Ribbons lost and pencils misplaced; Oh! When will it be before they grow wings of their own?

Pimples and acne, dates and mates; Sighs and moans, puppy love and scowls; Not enough clothes, not enough money; Admissions and entrance, the never ending tensions; Oh! When will it be before they grow wings of their own?

Occasional calls and occasional letters, The endless days and the endless nights, Nothing misplaced and nothing to do; Aches and moans of tired growing bones, The endless silence of an empty house; Oh! Why did they have to grow wings and fly away?

-By R. Krishnan