Meandering Indian Rhymes

Ravi and Sundar were friends in the sixth grade. Ravi was smart- sometimes too smart for his own good. He was always looking to challenge any one to a game where he made up the rules. With his cleverness and intelligence, he made sure he always won.

One holiday weekend, Ravi went looking for someone to challenge, someone who was easy to fool. He spotted Sundar, and called out to him. "Hey, Sundar! I was just looking for you. Let's see who can do....." Before he could finish, Sundar yelled out, " Oh no, not me! We know who wins every time. Please leave me alone...?"

Ravi didn't give up easily. "Aw, come on, Sundar", he continued. "You can set the challenge this time, whatever you like. Just make sure you have money for the 5 bars of candy you'll owe me, when I win." That's how confident Ravi was. Sundar was ashamed of himself, for wanting to run away. He was also getting a little angry with Ravi. "I'd like to show him ", he thought to himself. " Maybe beat him at his own game. Let me see... what's a problem even Ravi cannot solve?" Suddenly, he had an idea. " Well Ravi ", he said, "here's a challenge for you. Do YOU have money for the candy you'll have to give me ?" " Yes, of course!", replied Ravi impatiently, "Just get on with it." " OK, here it is. I'll do something with my eyes closed. You'll have to do the same thing with your eyes open. Want to give it a try?", asked Sundar simply. Ravi laughed, saying," That's a silly challenge, Sundar. I bet I can do it easily. Show me what you're going to do." " Just wait", said Sundar, and he lay down on the ground. Closing his eyes, he picked up a handful of sand, and let it fall through his fingers, on to his eye lids. He then got up, and challenged Ravi, "Can you do that with your eyes open?". Ravi was stumped. How could he pour sand on his eyes when they were open? He had to accept defeat. From that day on, Ravi gave up the bad habit of showing off. He would never again try to trick his friends with his clever little puzzles and riddles. He had learned his lesson.

If each of us would use a little less
There will be more for every one of us
And enough for those with very little now
Perhaps enough for more chapati dough

If each of us would try to be content
With all the toys and games we do get
And stop, and share with those who have none
Other children's lives, we might brighten

If, every time you left a room
You made sure the light was off
And every time you washed your hands
Made doubly sure to close the tap

You will be saving what is ours
For future use, by all of us!