TEARS OF JOY

At the dawn of the day I am born

On the road side where people walk
The cooling breeze and chirping birds
Cajole me day by day
Though none notice my existence.

My infant days are good

As my needs are very few
And I dance this way or that
Until none disturb me.

As I touch my teenage, a few bully me,

They pinch and pull me this side or that
My morale is hurt terribly, when they
pluck my leaves.
But none care for me though I cry
silently.

As I grow older, my needs are more and

more
The days are too many that I almost die
For a drop of water even to quench my
thirst

But all are busy none have time to water

me.

I am a curse, I mourn within me

Tears of helplessness roll down
Oh, God! Why do you create me?
Though none hear me whisper.

As years pass, I protect my body and soul

Whether days are sunny or rainy, hot or chill
Physically and emotionally I become strong
Though none watch me grow.

As some start to enjoy my shade and breeze

And ease out their feelings in my presence
I realise, problems are not for me alone
But they belong to all, none know I hear them.

As I ignore myself gradually

And hear more and more stories shared
The stronger I become mentally
Though none realise the changes in me.

I am a seasoned adult now, bold to face

Any little pain or ache, severe drought or flood
In summer my fruits are in the market
The mangoes green or yellow, cheap or costly
All adore me, none leave without me.

As all take pride in my sweetness, I find

Joy in serving more and more.
All thorny days of past are silly
I whisper, though none hear me say.

When all smile at my golden fruit

Tears of joy roll down,
I am so blessed, I cry
Oh, God! Thank you for creating me.
_____________
Meena Gopalakrishnan,
3/ 267 Cee Dee Yes Dwaraka,
6th Cross street , Vijaya Nagar,
Velacherry, Chennai 600042.
Mobile: 09940145215.

Dear Sir/ Madam

Wish you and your team a very happy and prosperous New Year 2016.
TEARS OF JOY tells that life is not a bed of roses. If one crosses the
thorns,s bearing all pains, the final result will be sweet .Here is a mango
tree which is born when someone threw a seed carelessly. This tree is not
lucky to be nurtured by anyone, but grows witnessing all difficulties. Still
its fruits too are sweet and juicy. A lesson we learn from nature.
I hope to see this in prints in WE at the earliest, so that the readers will
overcome the disappointments due to some hurdles from the beginning of
2016.
I am proud and thankful to you for publishing my poem is There A
Choice in May 2015 second issue.
Thanks and Regards,
Meena Gopalakrishnan.

TRIPPLE A AND TRIPPLE S

Today all three categories - parents, teachers and students are under one
roof. All these groups are focused only on success in the board exam. Not
students alone, but parents are considered successful when their ward
scores high percentage and teachers are claimed to be exemplary in their

profession when they accomplish 100% result for the schools. Ultimately
all three are under high pressure.
Every year, the period from December to March is crucial, but this year to
add oil to fire the long and unforeseen holidays due to recent rains have
thrown the planned schedule for this academic year out of gear.
Academicians are pulling their hair to find ways and means to tackle the
situation. We are under triple A that leads to triple S, that is, anxiety,
approach and attitude lead to stress, strain and success.
Giving excuses and panicking are not the remedy at this juncture. To me it
is not the students who should be more responsible, but parents and
teachers should take utmost care in handling the students. A few
suggestions for parents are listed below.
Dos

First and foremost read the mind of your child. He or she is in the
adolescent age going through physical and emotional changes. Now
the fear of exams and peer pressure make him / her even more

restless.
Try to understand the mental trauma of the child.
Speak softly and use encouraging words.
Try to spend as much quality time as possible with your child when at

home.
Give your child healthy food and ensure that he/she doesnt fall ill.
Keep awake at night till your child retires to bed. He/she will realise

your concern.
Make the environment at home conducive for learning.
Advise your child suitably that he/she could read late hours now but
not on the day prior to the exam.

Donts
Accusing of wasting time and not being responsible in the days gone
by will only make the child panic.

Arranging parties at home or outside or entertaining guests even for a

short while will distract the child.

Expressing your disappointment on your childs performance in tests
when you are stressed with your office work will not have the desired

effect.
Constantly speaking about scoring high percentage will damage the
confidence of the child.
Teachers play the next important role in this context. You may ask
Why. Teachers are responsible for the success of the students and
the reputation of the institution. Teachers are always over stressed and
this time the stress is beyond limits.
Completion of syllabus, correction of note books and answer papers,
setting question papers, coaching remedial students, conducting
special classes are a few of their responsibilities and the list is endless.
Being a teacher myself for about thirty five years, I too had faced
many difficult situations like this to tackle. As a member of the

teaching fraternity here are a few suggestions.

Dos
Always be kind to your students.
Take the time to explain concepts clearly so that majority of the class

can understand.
Give sufficient time to complete the assigned task.
Return the notebooks after correction at the earliest.
Keep motivating and encouraging your students.
Remember to spend a few minutes with your students to discuss
general topics, have short light-hearted conversations besides core

subjects and exam.

Donts
Humiliating any student, irrespective of the reason.
Expressing your work pressure to the students.
Ignoring a student whose performance is consistently weak.
There are a few Dos and Donts for students as well.
Dos
Keep your cool.
Before you start your work every day, decide the lessons to be

completed by end of the day.

In case something is left incomplete, finish it the very next day.

It would be easier to understand, if you read the topics a couple of

times before it is taught in class.

Take down notes of what is taught and complete the tasks given, the

same day.
Revisit your schedule and tally the completion of tasks as opposed to

your initial plan.

Take up self assessments at regular intervals.
Learn thoroughly now and clarify all your doubts immediately.
Practise yoga or any other form of exercise regularly and meditate for

a few minutes every day.

Most important, always have a positive attitude.
Donts
Beginning something when you are restless.
Comparing yourself with your friends in any context.
Being influenced any kind of peer pressure.
Hiding any problem you face with your parents or teachers.
Believing any rumours regarding modification of syllabus or

postponement of exams unless your school authorities announce it.

Disobeying or expressing disrespect to parents, teachers or elders

when they ask you to work more.

Studying under stress that leads to unwanted strain.

Do not forget that your parents and teachers are your well-wishers and
your guides.
The triple A as I mentioned in the beginning, stands for
1. Anxiety Anxiety of parents and teachers that will only make the
students more STRESSFUL.
2. Approach A lot depends upon the approach towards the problem.
As elders, if we ourselves are confused and give too many
instructions, it will be STRENUOUS for the children.
3. Attitude The trust and the positive attitude you have towards your
childs performance will lead him/her to be SUCCESSFUL.
The role of parents and teachers plays a key role in helping the
students towards a smooth sailing. Be considerate to them, they
are not machines that can run for twenty four hours in three shifts school, tuition and homework.
In a nut shell
Over-anxiety leads to stress

Wrong approach leads to strain

But, positive attitude leads to success.
Above all, board exams and results are not the be all and end all of
life. Let us all work together for success.
Good luck to all the students!!!
By
Meena Gopalakrishnan
(Retd. PG.Teacher)
Mail id: meena647@gmail.com