CHILDHOOD IN THE AIR FORCE
In our earliest memories, to Air Force we’re drawn,
As military hospital is where most of us were born.
Different corners of the country, through postings we’ve seen
In camps clean and green we have always been.
Studied in a KV or an Air force School,
Went by Green buses ‘coz Yellow wasn’t the rule.
Evenings were spent cycling, swimming or playing,
Moms would be walking, and dads away flying.
‘Bada-khaana’ and Tambola, children would be taken,
But Rum-punch and dinner Nights, we were forbidden.
From one room to two, finally status house was fun,
But tenure came to an end, and we were back to square one!
Boxes and trunks got numbered and painted,
Soon all belongings into a truck got mounted.
Making new friends and change of school so common,
As adieus and farewells were bid so often.
‘Eating-out’ meant at the Mess or Institute,
For food-courts and restaurants, our substitute.
Parties were often held in the Ante-room,
Though, smaller groups preferred the Ladies Room.
He’pter or ‘Queen Mary’ brought Santa, not sleigh!
Christmas party and gifts surely made our day.
Festival time, in groups we’d roam,
Wishing friends, from home to home.
Dads had uniforms for every season,
and also dress-code for each occasion.
All this and more, are amazingly clear,
Memories that bring out of nostalgia, a tear.
This was our childhood in the Indian Air force,
Lucky to have it, we realise in due course…….
Poem by AF kid
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