Innocent murmur

Sitting on sidewalks and roads; She awaits a generous knock On her fate’s door; A sound that would Echo pleasantly in her ears; Something that had awaited her For many years; Someone who would ease her pain And her woe; And paint her life With the seven colours of a rainbow; But her life is black and white today, She begs in the lanes all day and night, Roaming barefoot on the burning roads, She scores few coins and paper notes; This is the murky story Of a girl I met; She regretted her poverty That compelled her to beg; To become a painter was her dream, With this she realised, She had revealed the hidden pages Of her life!

So she started hurrying, To the slums, her home!

With face all drenched in tears, I waved her goodbye, Took a deep breath, And looked up in the sky, I realised that I had everything I needed to live happily; I then thanked my Lord For His favours; That He had bestowed upon me.

Knowing that this gratitude Was not enough; Neither is and nor will be!

Tajwar Fatima, 14 years, Karachi

Boredom

When you’re bored on a summer’s day, Think why not bake a cake today?

Gather your cousins to choose a recipe, Choose quickly to avoid a melee.

To make a cake you will need to gather Many items all together!

Eggs, sugar, water, flour, Don’t forget the baking powder, Grab a pot and put them in, Then, let the mixing begin!

Mix it to a smooth consistency, Until its movement is supple and free.

Pour it gently into a circular pan, You should lick the bowl, if you can!

Bake for 20 minutes on the dot, Keep a close eye on the clock.

Take it out and cut a slice, Enjoy it slowly, bite by bite.

What a way to spend a day, Baking boredom all away!

Humera Riaz, Hibah A. Rehman, 13 years, 14 years

My dad

My dad is the best dad in the world, He has a smile like a movie star, He’s my best friend, I’m always with him, Whenever he goes abroad, I accompany him, He is so caring, And thank you dad For being with me!

Abdul Ahad, 8 years, Lahore

Oh, daddy

Oh, daddy! Oh, daddy!

What are you doing?

I am working, my son, There are a lot of tasks Pending on my table!

Oh daddy, you hardly take rest, But you are the best!

Mohmmad Ahsan Chawla, 10 years, Via email

Don’t lose hope

Don’t lose hope, Hold this rope, Why should you worry, God is not in a hurry, My dear chum, Your dreams will come true!

Your eyes will sparkle too!

So just keep praying to God, And never lose hope!

Alishba Altaf Bochia, 11 years, Karachi

The forgetful man

The forgetful man, He forgot that He had put a fish in the pan; He forgot to tie his shoe laces, He forgot to take the trophy When he won in one of the races!

Samita Amin, 11 years, Karachi

Mr Bobby

Mr Bobby, He loved coffee, His hobby was To go to the lobby, And have some coffee.

He always kept a toffee, Mr Bobby had a dog, Called Robby.

Mr Bobby used to act very funny, He didn’t like when it was sunny, He also read a book called Mr Sunny is funny; And his best friend’s name was Mr Bunny.

Alishba Akmal, 9 years, Karachi