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