My Chubby Cherub

March 6, 2014

Children bring unbridled happiness in our lives. Whether they are our own kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, or a friend’s kid, they have their own unique way of bringing about smiles and laughter. This poem is about my toddler daughter Caroline and is dedicated to all the tiny tots around the world whose innocence brightens our lives.


(Representational pic)


My Chubby Cherub

She runs and grabs the gravel from the fireplace,
and scatters them like jewels on the clean floor at a fast pace.
Then she climbs on top of the couch and slides down multiple times,
squealing with delight and laughing loudly each time.


Now she comes climbing down the stairs, closing twinkly eyes,
flapping her hands like a butterfly and pretending to swoop down from the skies.
Just when my day seems like a never ending roller coaster,
she drops a cup of sticky orange juice over the counter place and toaster.


Caps, socks, shoes and clothes you will find strewn on the ground,
for she loves dressing up all day long.
I don't detest picking up these things,
putting them back in the right place drives me crazy for I have no wings.


And now when my tiny chubby cherub is fast asleep,
my baffled mind tries to figure out which chore should I finish first in a beat.
Should I fold laundry or should I cook dinner?
or maybe I should clean the house, says my confused voice inner.


For her naps are mere thirty minutes long,
in which I have to battle the household marathon.
And now when my hands are in the midst of soap suds soaked,
I suddenly feel her tiny fingers rubbing against me back and forth.


It’s only mid day and her energy level is like the zenith of the roller coaster,
her naps these days just get shorter and shorter.
As I stand and wonder what will keep her busy,
she disappears for another exhilarating adventure and leaves me tizzy.


The laundry lies unfolded for 3 days in a row,
The floor is sticky and that’s not all you know!
But why should I worry about these minuscule tasks,
When God has blessed me in this lifetime with chubby cherub Caroline to love, I ask…


Giving birth to you my darling Caroline, is a second birth of me,
I thank God for filling my life with so much laughter and glee.
One day you will grow big and I will long to hear the gentle sound of your steps pitter-patter,
so for now enjoying the cute little things you do is all that will matter!

 

 

By Vandana Machado-Menezes, Shirva-Moodubelle/Canada
Vandana Machado-Menezes, hailing from Shirva, grew up in Muscat, Oman and did her undergraduate studies in Boston, USA. She is currently based in Toronto, Canada.
To submit your article / poem / short story to Daijiworld, please email it to news@daijiworld.com mentioning 'Article/poem submission for daijiworld' in the subject line. Please note the following:

  • The article / poem / short story should be original and previously unpublished in other websites except in the personal blog of the author. We will cross-check the originality of the article, and if found to be copied from another source in whole or in parts without appropriate acknowledgment, the submission will be rejected.
  • The author of the poem / article / short story should include a brief self-introduction limited to 500 characters and his/her recent picture (optional). Pictures relevant to the article may also be sent (optional), provided they are not bound by copyright. Travelogues should be sent along with relevant pictures not sourced from the Internet. Travelogues without relevant pictures will be rejected.
  • In case of a short story / article, the write-up should be at least one-and-a-half pages in word document in Times New Roman font 12 (or, about 700-800 words). Contributors are requested to keep their write-ups limited to a maximum of four pages. Longer write-ups may be sent in parts to publish in installments. Each installment should be sent within a week of the previous installment. A single poem sent for publication should be at least 3/4th of a page in length. Multiple short poems may be submitted for single publication.
  • All submissions should be in Microsoft Word format or text file. Pictures should not be larger than 1000 pixels in width, and of good resolution. Pictures should be attached separately in the mail and may be numbered if the author wants them to be placed in order.
  • Submission of the article / poem / short story does not automatically entail that it would be published. Daijiworld editors will examine each submission and decide on its acceptance/rejection purely based on merit.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to edit the submission if necessary for grammar and spelling, without compromising on the author's tone and message.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to reject submissions without prior notice. Mails/calls on the status of the submission will not be entertained. Contributors are requested to be patient.
  • The article / poem / short story should not be targeted directly or indirectly at any individual/group/community. Daijiworld will not assume responsibility for factual errors in the submission.
  • Once accepted, the article / poem / short story will be published as and when we have space. Publication may take up to four weeks from the date of submission of the write-up, depending on the number of submissions we receive. No author will be published twice in succession or twice within a fortnight.
  • Time-bound articles (example, on Mother's Day) should be sent at least a week in advance. Please specify the occasion as well as the date on which you would like it published while sending the write-up.

Comment on this article

  • Florine Fernandes, Mumbai

    Sun, Mar 16 2014

    Dear Vandu.... God bless you and your family always. Brilliant poem on your little girl. I always remember one song which you used to sing.... I have a dream.... We all know that you are very talented and you should keep writing more. The best thing is that you are giving all your time and energy to your family like your mom. Your poem reminded me of my early motherhood, how I enjoyed my children and their naughty activities to the best. Every mother should be blessed with the time and energy to enjoy the growing up episodes of their children.

  • Vandana Machado-Menezes, Toronto, Canada

    Sat, Mar 15 2014

    Thank you very much for the wonderful comments! I have been absolutely overwhelmed with your kind words of appreciation and good wishes. Thanks again and God bless.

  • Shruti Nargundkar, Melbourne, Australia

    Fri, Mar 14 2014

    Dear Vandana, this is such a lovely ode to a daughter! I can empathize with each and every line. You must continue to write for you have a definite flair - you make me proud! :)

  • Precilla Menezes, Moodubelle/Bangalore

    Fri, Mar 14 2014

    Awesome Vandu.Very well expressed.
    Reminds me of those days when I went through the same phase of life.
    God bless.

  • Zeena , Muscat

    Thu, Mar 13 2014

    Beautiful poem Vandu. And so identifiable. These lines will ring true for everyone who is around lil children :-). Especially loved the last 2 lines. Keep writing

  • Lesly Vilma Saldanha, Shirva/Dubai

    Wed, Mar 12 2014

    Very Nice Keep Going Vandu..

  • Nirmala Monis Prabhu, Pangla/ Mumbai

    Wed, Mar 12 2014

    Good one Vandu. Keep up the good work. Feelings are expressed in a perfect way. May God Bless you.
    Nirmala & Ivan Prabhu

  • FATIMA PRAVEEN MENEZES, MOODUBELLE/KUWAIT

    Tue, Mar 11 2014

    Well written dear Vandana!Waiting for more to come..........

  • Arun Noronha, Karkal/Dubai

    Tue, Mar 11 2014

    Amazing..Wonderful poem Vandana. You have expressed your feelings in this poem. Keep it up and wish you all the best.

  • Oliver Sutari, Manipal

    Mon, Mar 10 2014

    Congratulations! What a pleasure it is to go through your poem. It beautifully encapsulates the everyday joys of motherhood - simply wonderful, honest and refreshing.

  • Winny Menezes , Shirva/USA

    Mon, Mar 10 2014

    Very Nice Poem.I am really impressed after reading the lovely poem. Good Luck Vandana.

  • ad, mangloor

    Sun, Mar 09 2014

    Experiences of a young mother are lovely. A reality indeed, expressed sincerely.

  • Dr. Norman Mendonca, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Lovely poem Vandu. You have wonderful talent. Keep writng.All the best!

  • Valerian Alva, Moodubelle / Sharjah

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Hi Vandana, beautiful poem about your lovely kid. I could easily relate everything you have written here as I do have a 3 year old naughty son and its a daily episode with us. Keep writing and assign some of these duties to Richard too !!!

  • Aloysius Dsouza, Udupi/Doha

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Nice one Vandana!! Good to read this poem coming from you.. Keep it up.. Regards to Richard & family
    Take care

  • Jawar D'Souza, M'lore/Doha

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Brilliant Vandana, keep up the good work, may God bless You.

  • john pinto, verdun, Montreal

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Wonderful to read a beautiful poem about your darling daughter, Caroline.
    Congrats Vandana.

    Best wishes from John Pinto

  • Ivan Menezes, Dubai -Moodubelle

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Lovely poem Vandu. Keep writing. God bless.

  • Peter V Pais, Mangalore / Muscat

    Fri, Mar 07 2014

    Dear Vandu. What a lovely poem, brought out by you so naturally. This is talented Vandu in full steam !! When one reads these beautiful lines, you feel so light hearted, that you are driven to read the same, over and over again. The various activities have described the little one so well, that we are now all the more looking forward to meeting you & the kids in Muscat next week. Yes, as Wilson Samuel mentioned, I am sure your hubby Richard, must be getting inspired. Kids can really make moments, lighter and this is the right age to enjoy them the most, as every day is a new day !! Take care and enjoy !! Fond regards to Richard and rest of the family, from Carl, Jen & self

  • Francis Machado, Shirva/Malad/Dubai

    Fri, Mar 07 2014

    Vand....Ma.... Lovely,well written. May Our Almighty Shower Abundant Blessings on you and thanks for sharing your good feelings. God Bless you. Truly, you made us Proud.

  • Merwin Rodrigues, Brahmavar/Muscat

    Fri, Mar 07 2014

    Hey nice one Vandana...Got some nieces of my own so I know how it feels....Hi Prescilla aunty.

  • Amula, USA

    Fri, Mar 07 2014

    Wow, Vandana...amazing & beautifully written..all parents can truly relate..parenthood & childhood creatively yet simply described, very touching...u should write more... very inspirational & cheerful just like u :)

  • Francis Lobo, Moodubelle / Edmonton

    Fri, Mar 07 2014

    Amazing Poem, Vandana. Good Luck!and waiting for more to follow.

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, Mar 07 2014

    Feelings nicely quoted.Enjoy today her mischievous Company .machine can be done tomorrow.Tomorrow she will have other surprises for you.That is the true happiness in life.Thank you for sharing.

  • Prescilla & Vincent Machado, Shirva,Muscat

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    Awesome Vandana,Pleasant surprise waiting, when I opened the Daijiworld.Well expressed your feelings about the little one.keep up the good work.

  • Pamela Elvira, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    Lovely poem Vandu....
    I can imagine u with Caroline...I printed this for my Mom
    miss u every day
    Love,
    Pamela

  • Patrick and Judy Pinto, Kundapura/Canada

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    Hello Vandana,
    Beautiful poem! Brimming with genuine pleasure and pure joy of enjoying your gift from God. You have your heart in the right place! Enjoy your kids now, the work around the house can wait! A life lesson worth its weight in gold. Wishing you much joy and looking forward to more wonderful poems from you! Hugs,
    Patrick, Judy, Emmanuel, Jonathan and Leslie

  • Eula Pinto, Mangalore/Muscat

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    Hi Vandu,

    This is a hidden talent of yours, I see. Good keep it up! You have expressed your real feelings about the little one, her joys and happiness in the poem. Beautiful!!

  • Benedicta Lobo, Udupi/Dubai

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    Dear Vandana,
    Lovely poem expressing your love to yr darling daughter through a beautiful poem. All the best for more such poems/stories. Love to yr daughter & rgds to yr hubby Richard.

  • wilson samuel, mangalore/dubai

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    hey vandana
    I dint know that ,you had a poet in you. Lovely.
    you have put the whole feeling in this poem. Great. I am sure Richard must be getting inspired. all the best

  • Flavy Dubai, DUBAI/M'LORE

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    very nice one, keep writing.

  • Roshan Braganza, Mumbai

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    Wow , wonderful. I can almost picturise your poem and can see baby along the floor. Prestine as the words were and all the nuisance or mischiefs , the angels create , time flies like anything. The best things in the world is just around .

  • Ajith, TRASI / DUBAI

    Thu, Mar 06 2014

    Beautiful. Comprises all essential elements, feelings, love, caring, imagination, compassion, etc, etc.,


Leave a Comment

Title: My Chubby Cherub



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.