Said she, "At times life is like a see-saw moving up and down
At others its a twirl like a merry-go-round!
As long as we keep moving, keep trying 
Success or failure we shouldn't mind."
Perhaps I didn't understand in totality then
But now I know what she meant.

One day she asked, "What does a slide teach you?"
"Mom this is a playground and not a classroom!!"
"We can learn even from play," she persisted
"So think about the slide," she insisted.
I tried hard, I really tried,
But no answer did me strike!

I kept thinking about the slide when alone
Sure I was that she wanted to drive some lesson home...
A week later I ran up to her
"Hey mom I've got the answer!!
When the slope is smooth its more fun!!!"
She was happy and have me a hug.

Off and on the slide we would discuss
Mom had started my thinking process...
Perhaps it was a year later
When I came up with another answer..
"We go up one step at a time
Only then can we enjoy the joy ride!!!"

Academic pressures made me realize
Examinations were also like a slide!
Work hard first and then have fun!
Effort was needed to reach the top rung!!
When the going would get tough I would remember our slide
I was still on the steps and had to work for my joy ride!!!

Time flew by... I was college bound
But I never forgot the teachings of the playground!
Good habits are so easy to give up, so tough to inculcate!
But humane and loveable they do us make!!
Character and reputation can come crashing down
If we take the slope downward bound!

"Hope you'll also teach my kids these lessons profound
When with dear grand - ma they go to the playground!!
Thanks mom for the fun on the swing, see-saw and slide
Its made me a man who can take life in my stride."

~Teardrop~