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Humorous and heart-warming, Kanika Jain’s poem “Life Advice from a Grandparent” switches the roles of listener and speaker.  It was inspired by a prompt based on Nissim Ezekiel’s famous poem “The Professor”, as part of the Introductory Creative Writing module “Point of View”.
– Dr Ashima Sood
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  • Poem

LIFE ADVICE FROM A GRANDPARENT

We want you to know honey, 

that we are always here 

whenever you need money.

But don’t wear those high heels 

because they’ll hurt your knees.

We want you to have a good education, 

and we wish you to become a big sensation.

But don’t go out too late

otherwise you’ll be kept out of the gate.

We want you to sit and talk 

instead of using Instagram to stalk.

But don’t be so mischievous 

and try to be a little chivalrous. 

We want you to listen to us because we know

what is good and what is bad .

But don’t you dare think 

that we are mad

We want you to hear that there are times 

when we feel lonely 

and you are the only one 

who can make us feel lively.

But don’t stay up too late

To chat with your fellow mate.

We want you to know that we are always here 

to provide you with all the love and care.

And in the end darling,

Always remember that the lost time is never found again,

And it is only the memories which will remain.

This poem was previously published in the Anant National University newsletter ANUvacha, May 2020, Volume 3, Issue 9.