Tell Me

Vaishnavi Bhat

“Back story: This is an ode to the children. I often notice that they are denied a chance to speak, let alone speak up. This is my attempt at giving them that opportunity and letting them know that my classroom is a safe place for them to ‘Tell Me’ absolutely anything.

Tell me when all you want to do is just play

Tell me when you start zoning out

Tell me about what goes on inside your mind

Tell me anything and everything

Tell me because I just want to listen

Tell me when you don’t understand despite trying

Tell me what hurts you and what makes sense to you

Tell me your fears, your ambitions and your dislikes

Tell me anything and everything

Tell me because I just want to listen

Tell me if colors bring you joy, or if they don’t

Tell me what memories you are reminded of when it rains

Tell me what about life excites you the most

Tell me anything and everything

Tell me because I just want to listen

Tell me when you feel lifeless and withdrawn

Tell me when you resonate with something

Tell me so I can know

Tell me anything and everything

Tell me because I just want to listen

And just so you know-

It’s totally fine if you are unable to express yourself in words, any form of expression is worth telling in!