Lessons from my Niece...

In a world where everyone has an opinion, who do you turn to?

When advices come your way from all corners, who do you listen to?

They say the old know best, as they did see and live through it all.

But whenever I’m at an impasse, it’s my 5 year old niece who I call.

Done someone wrong? There’s nothing an apology can’t mend!

It’s not her cute ear catching, but her honest, downcast eyes which fend.

Seeing her I fail to grasp, how does saying sorry become so hard?

As if an ugly monster gets in from under our bed into our mind and heart.

Someone did wrong by you? What good has a grudge ever done?

She does enjoy my cajoling, but forgives me soon enough after having her fun.

Seeing her I fail to grasp, why does our heart turn from water to stone?

That every blow, every strike, every little friction is an irreparable damage done.

Have feelings for someone? Tell them! They deserve to know!

Though no words need be spoken, she reminds her mother how she loves her so.

Seeing her I fail to grasp, what is it that leaves us so often tongue-tied?

The complacency which grabs hold, leaving us taciturn, while at the back, love hides.

Buried under responsibilities? Well, you have a duty to yourself too!

She makes a ruckus to sit down and study alright, but has fun doing it, certainly no rue.

Seeing her I fail to grasp, why does pursuit of happiness become an obscene thought?

A little selfishness, some happiness is better than making yourself, then others morose.

A wise man did say once – life is as complicated as you make it!

That little bundle of joy is a true testimony to that; our “problems” mostly overrated.

Seeing that she taught me so much, so better, in such a short span,

Wordsworth couldn't be more right when he said, “the child is the father of the man”.