5. The Beggar

 

The beggar, on the street corner,

down on his knees, eyes pleading, beseeching.

Straddled on his shoulder, is a little girl,sweating.

Uncomfortable, sickly and with fever,burning.

 

What a life is this for them?

No food! No clothing! No shelter!

No basic amenities

and no shelter!

 

What a life is this for them?

Living on leftover,

a few coins thrown in their cup.

Scrummaging forever!

 

Has our hearts become so hard and common,

that we see the beggar a’s vermin?

Is it not our responsibility,

to eradicate poverty?

 

Anwar Suleman