A Teacher for Life.....

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Lessons learnt by rod

The little child forgets - all

that remains is pain.....

Linking to Haiku Horizons - Forget

A child is like a flower. Treat it with a gentle touch, caress the buds, nourish the soil and you find the flower blooming beautifully one day. But neglect it, abuse it, starve it and it is sure to die. So is the heart of the little child which beats and flutters delightfully at the slight sight of affection. But harsh words wither the heart away. Joy flees, innocence takes refuge in some remote world and all that remains is bitterness and pain.

I am reminded of the words of Alexander the Great who said, " I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well." Teacher is the lighthouse in the life of a child who is growing up. The light guides the exploring ship on rocky paths, warning just in time of dangers lurking ahead, and yet letting him go on on his journey. Imagine if the lighthouse blocked the way of the ship and stopped it from moving forward. What would happen then? The ship would be trapped and might drown. 

The role of the caregiver, parent or teacher becomes very crucial in upbringing the child. If the person in charge of taking care of the child is not equipped with the primary quality of kindness, then the future of that child is sure doomed. Without a loving heart and a tolerant mind, the teacher can never instill good qualities in the child, primarily because, the teacher himself is devoid of them. Good guidance includes sensitivity for the other mind. Good mentoring incorporates acceptance of faults and flaws, and their rectification without judgement. Where the mind starts judging, compassion flies away and what is left is bias.

So if you are a teacher, teach with love. Sit next to a child who can not hold the pencil properly. Rebuke him not, but gently hold his hand and let him write. Let him write that he is the best. If he finds it difficult to read, or does not understand the words on the page, feed his imagination. Let him dream, spark up a scene for him and fly away with him to his fantasy world where he will find words to express his feelings, and discover new joys. Let him find pride for himself. Let him feel worthy of what he is, of who he is. Judge not by the flaws. Judge not at all. Praise the goodness in him. For you might not be with him for long but your words will travel with him way longer than you might have imagined. 

Linking it to #Monday Musings on WriteTribe

Waiting....

As I sat today wondering what to write, I came across these beautiful lines shared on Carpe Diem Special #178 Michael Dylan Welch's "first day of school"

first day of school—
I eat my buckwheat pancakes
in silence

© Michael Dylan Welch

The beauty and the simplicity with which deep emotions were expressed simply blew me away. That is what makes poetry so special. It touches that inner sanctum with so much affection that it melts you away completely.

Being a mother of two children, with one being a first grader, I have felt the silence that the poet mentions here. When we get used to our kids being around so much, there absence causes a turmoil that has no words. We feel happy that they are moving on, and yet, something becomes vacant in our hearts. Isn't it? I am sure many have felt that pang. 

First day of school is so special. With jittery kids, with even more jittery but not-showing-it parents, we anxiously wait for the bus. Kisses and hugs, goodbyes and tears, pats on the shoulder and so many thumbs-up, this and much more - yes, first days are special

First day of school - 

Eyes look at clock all day long -

Waiting for the bus...

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Written for Carpe Diem Special #178 First Day of School

Dutch Tulips....

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Dutch tulips

I would, if I could

buy for you

They blossom

like my beating heart - 

You in sight

Take my heart -

together we shall

reap a bed

Of tulips -  

vibrant valley of

our true love....

This haiku is inspired by the historical occurrence in 17th century Holland when tulip prices rose very high and tulips are said to have become the world's most coveted flower. In this haiku, a lover woos his beloved stating he is not rich enough to buy tulips but assures her that his love is true. 

Linking it to Carpe Diem Tulip Festival

My other Haiku attempts:

Dutiful Daughter

Birth of Storm

It Infects

Chalk Art

Secrets of the Night

Laughter After

Haiku Attempts

Laughter after.......

Bubbles of joy
Sprinkles of water - laughter

after splash....

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Written for Haiku Horizons prompt - After

Haiku Attempts

With the help and encouragement of friend-blogger, Vyomi, I have written these two Haikus. The second one is in response to the prompt given by Vyomi who is herself a pro at writing Haikus. I thank her for her guidance. Do spare some time to read some wonderful pieces written by her. She blogs at A rhyme a day to keep my blues at bay.

At First Sight

Unsung Heroes

Wooden Sandals

The Ancient Woman

Before you read my novice attempts, I insist you read the above gems by Vyomi.

Now for the two attempts I have made -

Choking Relationship

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Struggling for some space
Obsessive suffocation
Churning death through love

Dew Drops

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Do share your thoughts on my attempts. Thanks!

Scent of Aurora

Reminiscent of Ersa

Touch of tenderness

(Ersa is the Greek Gooddess of dewdrops and Aurora is dawn.)