Child Understands Poem by Mehta Hasmukh Amathaal

There was no one to support
There was no elder to report
Father was businessman but not with enough of education
He was pulling life cart with strong relation

“Papa, I have passed with distinction”
He will smile gently with satisfaction
I could see the visual change on his face
He was never discontented in competitive race

“I will need new set of books”
He will shake head and helplessly look
We were really poor and hand to mouth
I new the inner fact and truth

“Have second hand from senior students”
He will gently speak but offer no more comments
I understood his pain and gave no more botheration
“I will take care of books, papa” then he will not raise any question

Final school days were over
“I must support and provide cover”
I always thought and felt so much
They were very much hopeful with trust

“Why not go for army service”?
Bright future with free food and cloth’s promise
I took it by heart and went for interview
My inner conscious imposed clear views

How far parents go on accommodating!
The demands of children while not stating
Real position and economic plight
Some of the children understand it right