“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
Image via Wikipedia
I think ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ was the first rhyme I taught you.
I started off with a basic gesture, a twinkling action with my fingers. These hands, these fingers which only knew how to type and to turn the pages of novels and to fix my hair, they have learnt to show you stars and butterflies and all other wondrous things to open up your imagination.
You must have been a year old then. And you were crying. Fat tears caused by something I no longer remember or want to. But all that mattered was I had to stop them. So I sang you this song. Words repeated from half-forgotten childhood memories. They came tumbling out then. The crying slowed down to sniffling. Then a cautious half-smile. I did the twinkling action. A wide smile from you. I sang some more. My heart sang too. For every smile from you is a reason for celebration, is it not?
I added more actions the next time, Googled for them in fact. You watched with awe as my hands went up like tall branches against a night sky. “UP above the world so highhhhhh“.
Now you are older and you enact it yourself. Mummy only has to sing softly.
“Star“, you say sometimes.
“Star“, I repeat, marvelling at every word from your lips. Surely the word “star” hasn’t sounded sweeter before? You could say “pffffttt” and I would find it nothing short of a miracle. Like you.
Your actions have me in splits – tiny hands shooting up, a crude diamond shape formed with your small fingers… “Like a diamond in the sky!”
This is our song, I think fiercely. Daddy doesn’t sing it like I can. The maid doesn’t either.
This is Mummy’s song.
For her shining star. Twinkle away, my baby. Each day brighter and brighter.
NOTE: This is Ryan’s current favourite ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ version on the web. But I like to believe my version is his all-time favourite 
Brilliant.
too nice……..I loved………
Thank you lovely readers!
Beautifully narrated
Also, the cutest version of twinkle twinkle I’ve ever seen or heard 
Double aww worthy post, this!
<3 and xxx
I know…that video has me going all awww-y too. How cute is the baby owl?
Aww!!
Such a lovely rhyme… lovely video… Gosh. I am in for a cuteness overdose after this piece. What’s with kids being so super adorable? You must relish every moment!
Hmm.. you expressed my feelings too for this song.. this was the only one I was sure about when I was singing for Kurinji.. There is another malayalam song Kiya Kiya Kuruvi… too. Google it.. My daughters favorite… Go on Maria.. Great writing…
superb, this song still holds much awe for me,
its simple and sweet, like a child, so beautiful in the whole and very creative in words,
I still remember dancing to this when i was little at my kindergarten’s annual day celebrations.
nice post!