If I were an animal...

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