Could someone bring back,
My innocent childhood days?
Even today on roadside,
I break stones with hammer,
In the scorching sun.

I also wish to swing,
In the mango orchard,
And run after,
The colorful butterflies

I also wish to enjoy,
The dazzling droplets of rains,
And run a paper boat,
In the rain water.

I too wish to go to school,
So that may paint my dream,
On a piece of paper.
But even today I work in the fields,
Like a child labor

I also wish to fly a purple kite,
And wish to fly high,
Up above the blue sky,
Like a free bird,

Is this my destiny,
That even today on roadside,
My weak back is forced,
To carry loads,
In the chilled nights.

I also wish to make,
Colorful fishes my new friends,
That swim in the river,
Nearby my village

Is this my destiny?
That today in the monsoon,
I’m weaving my dreams,
On the mounds of garbage.

Could someone bring back,
My innocent childhood days?
When today on roadside,
I break stones with hammer,
In the scorching sun

(By Kishan Negi)