Being Human- an illusion

‘Father,’ said the child, this is an earnest appeal

Why don’t you mold toys that can touch and feel?

Your toys like puppets, dance when pulled by strings

Their false painted smiles, no more joy brings

Can you please make their eyes shed a tear?

When in distress they see someone, not their dear

Make their hands ready to hug and embrace

Sad, depressed beings, they can comfort and solace

Can their lips part to speak words of love and care?

Sooth and balm a wounded soul that lays bare

Give them ears they lend to a friend in sorrow

A little of your time, joy and laughter let them borrow

Let their feet not crush, destroy and trample

Others’ freedom, honor and land in battle

And yes, can you make a place too for a small heart?

‘You have to have one’ they say, the most important part

Your toys look attractive but are hollow and empty

Please fill them with kindness, compassion and empathy

Father said hopelessly ‘I created my toys to look like humans‘

I hope and pray when molded thus, they ‘become humane’

Munira Dalal