I wrote his exactly 17 plus years ago for the son! I have just unearthed old pictures and both the kids’ baby books. I’m alone in Bangalore, and chuckling loudly. Ive perhaps had the best morning in a lot of mornings.

 

I’m very irritated!!

My hands, they wont co-operate,

They move on their own accord….

… and leave me feeling desperate.

 

The other day..

I felt a tickle in my nose.

I tried to scratch it, and

I got pretty close.

But, zooped slipped my hand.

With a might of its own, they

Went and scratched my cheeks.

Boy! You should have heard me shriek.

 

New Year’s eve was another story.

Mamma felt Oh! So sorry.

I was trying to hold a conversation over the phone

With someone in the other zone!

Instead my hand grabbed my hair and yanked it hard.

And it just wouldn’t let go,

Till I howled off the ground floor.

 

Yesterday didi (Kanak) kissed me very hard.

It hurt, so I wanted to scratch her back.

Obviously.. my unsteady hands.

Patted her cheeks instead.

 

Because, of all these problems.

I howl when I’m unwrapped.

I like to stay tied up because,

Then I know..

My naughty hands are trapped.

 

Tanay Somani

2^nd January 1996

Thirani House. Breach Candy.