WHY CAN'T I SMILE IN PEACE?

(dedicated to the victims of the Mumbai terror attack and all others victimized by terrorism in today's world)

 

I wake up in the morn,

wanting to smell the rain

But instead of the wet mud

I smell blood stains.

 

I wake up in the morn

wanting to hear the church bells

Suddenly some bombs explode

singing the death knell.

 

I no more can go to the shops

and ask for my chocolates and gum

Mom is scared and worried

and dad says the terrorists will come.

 

I hear grandma talk of freedom

how she bravely fought for the cause.

but when I look out of the windows

she screams, all angry and cross!

 

I seem to have no streets

to run and play and fall!

There is no place to cycle

no place to hide and crawl

 

I am a little kid of seven

with her book and toys and doll

Why can't I smile in peace

It is my world too, after all!