Nine Little Kanjakas Poem by S.D. TIWARI

Chirping like divine pretty birds,
entered my house nine little girls;
dressed in cute colourful costumes,
on Durga Ashtami they were special.

All between three and seven years,
having their soul pure and clear.
My wife made them sit in a row
Of them Ketaki said, 'won't sit here'

Why you? angel! when asked,
'Lata spoke to me bad words once.
She is sitting here next to me,
to repeat, can't give more chance.'

While getting up, her frock stuck,
with Chandani, who sat to her side.
Thought it mischief, she hit her
and received back the same twice.

They were served halwa, puri, chana.
Juhi told, 'I would eat only banana.
Have already eaten halwa and puri
and I never like this chana.'

Ketaki refused to eat anything
the reason she told, was on fast.
We explained, you're invited for feast,
the fast was over, the day last.

Kumud had brought her own plate.
'Give my every thing here', she said.
My little brother didn't come with me
to share with him, I would take.

'Ate twice, no space in tummy.
Give just my gift', Kamala urged;
Forcing to eat more would trouble,
you know, in turn I would curse.

Bela shattered her plate on the floor
we cleaned and offered another.
She was going to clean her chunni,
we convinced to do after puja was over.

Suddenly, Champa started sobbing.
Worried we asked, what happened?
'Ketaki is sleeping on my shoulder,
with her kumkum my choli is stained.'

We prayed all of them very humbly
please eat whatever you please.
You are our Devi, dear little angels!
take to home the things, you leave.

The moment was rosy and full of joy,
looked as heaven has come down.
We were playing with the little angels,
and deities came to bless our home.