Spirit creatures
If I were an animal,
I would be a honey badger.
Brave, intelligent and thick-skinned.
If I were an animal
I would be a tiger,
Powerful hunters, strong swimmers
and largest of the wild cats
If I were an animal
I would be a panda
Cute, white, little, symbol of peace.
If I were an animal
I would be an elephant
Big, strong and protective.
— Riya Walikar, 10
Dharwad, Karnataka
Gentle giant
If I were an animal, I would like to be a giraffe.
Because of its thin and long neck
And also because of how it treks.
When I look down to the ground,
Everything I see would be so tiny,
And all the other animals would be just like miniature models.
My head would touch the sky, to a point where kites fly
And the cloudy spots all over my body,
Would each tell a different story.
Being as tall as a tree makes me feel like I can lead,
I, would thank God for giving me this life,
And also for giving me such a good height.
— Shriya Sachin, 10
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Fearless wings
If I were an animal, strong and tall,
I’d never crawl or creep at all.
I’d spread my wings, to the skies explore,
A fearless bird forevermore.
Why perch on branches, tied to trees,
When I could glide on an endless breeze?
I’d be an eagle, proud and high,
A ruler of the boundless sky.
Not munching fish from rivers near,
But chasing dreams both bright and clear.
With piercing eyes and spirit free,
The soaring eagle’s meant to be.
— Mohammed Afraaz, 13
Mysuru, Karnataka
Wild bliss
If I were an animal,
I’d live a life with no care,
running through meadows on the ground
or soaring through the air.
If I were an animal,
I’d be the happiest.
With freedom that has no bounds,
exploring the world around.
If I were an animal,
I’d have a pure heart.
With no greed,
surviving only with the things I need.
— Bhumi Rathod, 15
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Grateful cat
If I were a cat,
I will cry meow meow,
I dream to be a pet,
To the owner of a bungalow.
My master will provide milk,
And fish and meat for me,
Care for me when I am sick,
Keep me healthy and safe.
I will be grateful to him,
By keeping his residence,
Free from rats and rodents,
Making his living peaceful.
— Aadvik K, 5
Hubballi, Karnataka