Have you seen
those souls
enveloped in grief,
enclosed in shells
of humans
just as poor?
Sitting by the road
begging
for alms -
more than that
for compassion
and love.
When they spread
their feeble hands
in front of you,
just look
into
their eyes.
You will see
all the pain
the neglect
and torture
that they have been going through.
Your heart will melt
with pity.
Even in extremities,
they come up to us
asking for
means
to continue
their struggle
in those hard times.
They hope that
the one they approach
will hear their soul's cry
and be kind enough
to give them a reason to smile.
We we act indifferent
or turn them down
they just shatter inside
oh! these souls
so disturbed
and traumatized -
but knowing
the harsh world around,
they gather
whatever hope is left in them
and begin
their search again
for a generous soul.
India has over 400,000 beggars. Moved their plight and suffering, I wrote this poem.