Reminiscence

I remember those days at the park 

I remember the birds chirping 

I remember watching the setting sun

 I remember the story sessions

 I reminisce those days 

When life was slow 

Yet full of fun

I received this painting a few days back from the artist herself. It was a surprise in many ways as I know her more as an English teacher than an artist. But honestly, I was blown away. The painting took me back by more than three decades when life was slow and more meaningful. 

Bangalore back then was a  very laid back city. It was rightly called the garden city. There was lush greenery all around. You woke up to the chirping of birds every morning. Another thing in abundance were the sparrows. Today you are lucky, even if you can spot one. I remember back then, for most of the year, a sweater or some warm clothing was a must. For most of our childhood, our playground was the street in front of our house. To go to the park was a big thing. It all depended on so many factors, especially how well you did in school. Sadly, I was a no-good student. So, my trips to the park were seldom. But whenever they did happen, I was in heaven. 

Those days in some parks, you could play with your sports accessories. In others, you could not. The park that allowed you with your frisbees and other equipment was quite far from our residence. So that was a less frequented area. The other was where we usually went. It was lush greenery all around. Walking barefoot on the grass was sheer magic.

 As playing was a rarity in the park nearby, sports never became a part of my growing up years. However, what happened there was, it became a place for me to dream to weave stories in my head. My father and brother were good at weaving stories. My father was an expert in mythology and history. My brother took me on a different journey with Hans Christian Andersen, Rudyard Kipling. I credit my brother for encouraging me to dream and to read, which I try to do even today. 

Looking back at the painting, I miss those times. Today we have the cars, the classy apartments and our high paying jobs. But I feel it has robbed the simplicity of our lives. 

This painting will be one, which I shall cherish for a long time. 

Picture Credits: Epsita Ganguly Sikdar