Days of yore, when I was four,
School felt like a daily war.
Not a day went by without some trick,
To dodge the alarm that rang at six.
At the school gate, in red and white,
That sing-song call for lollipops echoed my childhood’s playful delight.

At eleven, school turned heaven-sent,
With little chats as the school van went.
Raising ruckus with a gang of seven,
Each day unfolds like a slice of heaven.
Tiny tiffs beside a spy-friend’s name,
Passed in notes like a secret game.
Belief bands wrapped our wrists tight
Binding hearts in bonds so light -Every moment felt forever bright.

At sixteen, joy was shared as one,
Dreams exchanged till the days were done.
Slam books rushed for autographs,
Lingering waits for one last photograph.
On matriculation’s final day, tears fell as we drifted away
Bidding our last adieu to that heaven, where childhood chose to stay.

Deep in my heart, I thank my college days,
Where life revealed itself in countless ways.
Outfits of choice, confidence found,
Laughter echoing freely all around.
In canteens, we shared both food and cheer
With friends who felt forever near.
On long tours with spirits wild and free,
We tasted our first adventures fearlessly.

That drizzling dawn I softly recall,
Living away from home, away from all.
Counting days to build dreams of my own,
An empire yet to be grown.
Lounging on lawns in a pretty gown,
Tracing memories, emotions unbound.
Lost in thoughts of parental care,
I forgot - it was my birthday there.

By the pond at an ornamented dawn,
Cool breeze whispered, night nearly gone.
Flowers bloomed, kissed by drizzle’s art,
Pearls of rain upon nature’s heart.
Lost in calm, free from all hustle,
When a sudden hug broke the still muscle.
Turning back in sweet surprise,
I saw my mom - friends by her side.

Birds chirped soft, the wind did sing,
Nature played its soothing string.
Amid claps, cheers, and voices spun,
The birthday bash began at twenty-one.
Then across the lawn, dad stepped in slow,
A secret smile, a moment to glow - To unveil the surprise long waited on.

Eyes sparkled, smiles stood jewelled bright, as the nameplate gleamed in honoured light.
That prestigious prefix, proudly shown,
Marked a dream at last full-grown.
As drizzles fell like blessings divine,
I bent my knees - happy tears were mine

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