Foolish And Free

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I danced through the street with a laugh on my face,
A “Nihao” to strangers, my fear I’d embrace.
Some smiled back, but many looked through—
I honored the courage that carried me through.

 

The child in my heart had something to say:
"Let’s live with delight, be foolish today!"
Though glances may judge or silence may sing,
A playful “hello” is a beautiful thing.

 

Silly and free, it’s my jubilee,
Goofy is me without dignity.
Full out roundabout foolishness,
I’ll shout it out, with no finesse.

 

In Mumbai I met little hands in the air,
Not coins, but connection, I chose to share.
My wiggle, my grin, my ridiculous hop—
Forgetting to beg and laughing nonstop.

 

To grownups I turned with the same kind of glee,
Begging for bucks, their hearts were not free.
Still, I played like a child with joy in my step,
Dancing through life and expressing my pep.

 

Silly and free, it’s my jubilee,
Goofy is me without dignity.
Full out roundabout foolishness,
I’ll shout it out, with no finesse.

 

In class I would crawl on the floor near their feet,
Inviting the brave to let go, to un-seat.
Yet few would dare to frolic down there,
Caged in their chairs by paper-tiger scares.

 

They ask me my age, I say with a grin,
“I’m three years old—just dressed in this skin.”
I tried to grow up, I played the hard game,
But I broke the chains when I stopped feeling shame.

 

Silly and free, it’s my jubilee,
Goofy is me without dignity.
Full out roundabout foolishness,
I’ll shout it out, with no finesse.