What If?

Hari Kumar Nair

My name is Shyam, I am ten years old.
I am a little skinny, but very bold!
Waking up for school is no fun at all
I am so sleepy as I get up, I think I will fall.

My eyes close as I begin to brush,
I hear Amma making dosas in a rush.
My mind slowly begins to wander away,
And many, many ideas come into play.

What if my neck was ten times as long?
Half in school, half at home, where would I belong?

What if my legs were as tall as trees?
My school building would only come up to my knees!

What if my arms were strong enough?
Then, lifting Amma would not be tough!

What if there was nothing too hard for my teeth?
Think of all the things I could eat!

What if my belly was as round as could be?
All my friends could jump and bounce off me!

What if I had big and floppy ears?
I could hear everything, far and near!

What if — I begin, but Amma shouts,
“Shyam, you’ll be late, what are you thinking about?”

I find myself still standing with my brush in my hand,
And I smile and think of my secret little land.