when i was a kid
i remember jump ropes on the sidewalk
and games of hopscotch with other kids on the block
i remember their laughter, happy and carefree
like the sweetness of apples picked from the trees
i remember people and houses,
the old neighbourhood and fences
i remember barbie dolls and bicycles
the tent and barbeques in the backyard
just before life became hard
i remember the picnics and late-night snacks
the نوک جھونک and twinning with the sisters
high heels, چوڑی and glitters
i remember swings, slides and dancing,
creating magic and potions
i remember birthday cakes and fairy breads
that pink dress and red لہنگا
i remember primary school and teachers,
friends and bullies.
good grades and riding horses
i remember everything i did
and everything i felt
and everyone i met
i remember
a lifetime ago, when i was a kid