Childhood Memories

By: Ishfaq Shafi

The rustle of dry leaves, the playful chirping of birds at dawn, and the warm smell of earth after a sudden rain—these are not just memories for a village child; they are fragments of a life once lived in simplicity, freedom, and joy. As time goes on and the child grows, perhaps moving to the city or simply growing older, those beautiful days in the village become distant echoes. The longing for the past grows stronger with every passing year. For a village child, missing the old days is not just nostalgia—it is a deep emotional bond with a way of life that shaped their soul.
Life in the village is unhurried and peaceful. A child born in such an environment grows up surrounded by nature rather than buildings. Their mornings begin with the crowing of roosters and the sight of golden sunlight filtering through the trees. The fields stretch endlessly, inviting them to run barefoot, chase butterflies, or play hide-and-seek in the tall grasses. Every corner of the village holds memories—whether it’s the Apple and walnut tree that gave the juiciest fruits or the quiet stream that was once a secret swimming spot.
In those early days, entertainment wasn’t found in gadgets or screens. It came in the form of folk tales told by grandparents, festivals celebrated with the whole community, and games played with handmade toys. The village child lived a life of connection—connection with nature, with people, and with themselves.
One of the most precious parts of childhood in the village is friendship. Friends were never hard to find; they lived just a few huts away and came running at the first call. There were no strict schedules or tuition classes to attend. Days were filled with mischief, laughter, and discovery. Climbing trees, fishing in the pond, or helping elders in the fields were not chores—they were part of the adventure.
Festivals in the village were colorful and magical. Whether it was  Eid ,Holi, Diwali,  or a local harvest festival, the entire community came together to celebrate. Songs, dances, food, and rituals—each tradition had its place, and the child soaked in the joy of every moment. Compared to today’s fast-paced and commercial celebrations, those village festivities felt more soulful and genuine.
Village life is deeply rooted in family values. Children grow up not just under the care of their parents, but under the watchful and loving eyes of grandparents, uncles, aunts, and neighbors who feel like extended family. Respect for elders, helping others, and gratitude are not taught in words but shown through actions. The child learns these values naturally, just by living and observing.
Now, as the child grows older or moves away, they begin to realize how special those teachings were. In the noisy chaos of modern life, the warmth and moral compass of their village upbringing become more and more valuable.
As time moves on, villages too begin to change. Fields are replaced with buildings, and traditions fade as the younger generation leaves in search of better opportunities. When the village child returns as a grown-up, they often find things different. The pond is dry, the Walnut and ancient tree has been cut down, and the friends have moved away.
This loss is not just of places but of feelings. The carefree spirit, the innocent joys, and the sense of belonging are hard to find again. The heart aches not for luxuries but for the simplicity that once gave life its true richness.
To miss the old days is to carry a treasure in the heart—a reminder of who we truly are. For a village child, those memories are more than stories; they are the roots that anchor them, no matter where life takes them. As the world moves forward, it becomes even more important to remember, cherish, and, where possible, preserve the essence of that village life. Because in those old days lies a timeless wisdom, a happiness untouched by the complications of modern life.

The writer can be reached at [email protected]

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