Childhood Memories Poem by Apuna Rato

In quiet hours of night,
Away from daily preoccupation,
I pause and reflect childhood memories.
Those faint remnant memories when draw closer
Fetch smiles and laughter, and goose-pimples.
Connected with nature's infinite wisdom,
Its varied flora and fauna, and avian life,
We learned things other than obligatory lessons.
Nature taught us to value each creation.
Those were the days of wild and care-free;
Wrestling with the shrubs in dry winter days,
Screaming with banyan trees in windy spring
Playing in muddy ground in summer rains,
And rambling round the mountains in autumn sun.
Away from the cautious scrutiny of parents,
Away from the sticks of school teachers,
Nature bestow upon us the freedom,
Freedom from rebuke, anxiety and sadness.
Sitting on top of the trees with friends,
Breathing fresh scented air of forest,
We found peace and tranquility in nature.
With shifting seasons came new adventure;
To climb trees for orchids and young birds,
To chase after butterflies, spiders and Engels.
Yes, nature lured us to its magical richness.


22nd April 2011, Kohima, Nagaland