Lunch boxes were an integral part of my childhood. No tuck shops, hot lunches during my schools days. It was a packed at home, stored in a “hot box” lunch.

Then there was this annual “Common Lunch” mela. The whole class shared what they brought. It was quite a messy affair. I don’t remember much of the food I ate but I remember the laughter and snide remarks. The blushes and the giggles.

I also remember the smell of food wafting along the aisles of the classroom as a selected few decided to indulge in lunch much before the lunch hour.

In memory of the school lunch box,

Plastics and Metals

Squares, rectangles and circles

Red, White, Yellow, others

 

Soon to be unwrapped

Just as the bell peals laughter

Sensual assault

 

Fried, roasted and garnished

Elachi, clove, cinnamon

Rice, breads and curries

 

Breakfast in lunch box

Lunch Boxes forgotten at home

Scrumptious treats for lunch

 

Lunch groups to sit with

Gossip and laughter to share

Under the shade of trees

 

Lunches gulped down fast

Forgotten homework to complete

Games and fun on hold

 

Thrill of getting caught

Drooling over stolen lunches

Food coma to follows