Age of innocence

You laugh at the silliest jokes,

jumping up and down with glee,

a butterfly, a pigeon chick, a candy

every time you see

In me a secret wish lures

my pursuit of happiness perhaps would
find an easy way out a little like yours

You cry now and then,

often without a reason

And stop the very next moment
as on your tinted field of vision

possibilities galore cast their spell
I wish my troubles would see the end

this constant struggle of heaven and hell

As I watch you sleep without a single frown

Over your tired brows
my dreams fade and the nightmare grows
Weary and restless everyday
each passing night I lie awake

wondering why and I wonder how
what more is there, what more will it take

And whenever a tiny shadow of fear

clouds your sweaty little face,

you come running in my arms

for shelter and some peace

I so wish for someone too every now and then

to hold my hand and stand by me

through either shine or rain

Don't get me wrong my baby,

I don't envy you,

I wish for you and I pray 
That with time you will stay

as untouched and innocent

Never to grow dark and cynical
like I have from years spent

© 2009 Rituparna Das