I run looking for shade;
And you are happy;
bare-bodied
in the hot Perth Summer months.

When I freeze in the Winter
You run around in bare-feet.

You grow up without asking for presents
For the Sinhalese New Year in April,
And Whinge when bunnies don't bring you Easter eggs.

Buddhist temple on Fridays-
A punishment!
The temple doesn't house Santa
Who brings you presents in Christmas.

You learn to play ball:
Aussie rules.
And feel sad when 'our footy team from the West'
don’t win.

It is good you love cricket
And bowl like your Aussie hero-'Warnie'
I smile as you follow 'Aravinda'
When you send the ball to the boundry.

Sunil Govinnage