Tag: poverty

Posted in People, Poem

A Meal So Scrumptious

Posted on by Ruchi Bhardwaj
Image source: The Japan Times

Not one not two- there stood a queue never-ending
Each one splendid with joy
Holding a spot for the friend beloved-
For a gathering dressed down- a little too rugged
Ushering the loved ones gleaming with joy
What was the occasion! I could only wonder as a passerby.

Curiosity led me to the front of the line
Whilst I heard the intense remarks of a day being gracious
Oh to my surprise! It was a celebration
Oh to my dismay! An ill served meal was the occasion .
Hungry stomachs and tired hearts were being fed
But what happens to the day that comes next?

Coins scarcely managed for a day of survival
Shall now be kept aside for a daughter’s dowry dragged till the law-approved age
Or even better saved for a son’s education
Empowering him to work at a humble position in an office barely fancy-
An upgrade worth aspiring from the startling slums!
With dreams being fuelled- indeed, the meal was scrumptious.

Posted in People, Poem

The Labour Chowk Pageant

Posted on by Ruchi Bhardwaj
Image Source: Unknown

He is handsome,
Just a little worn out and tired
Each morning; early- even before the sun rises
He stands amidst the streets with a wish to finally be admired.
He dresses up worthy-
Adorned in his rusty tools and rugged clothes
Soaked in the ambition to go to a new a home this morning-
Hoping to work himself up for the next few days
With someone needy of his skills
With someone willing to put a price on his advice
Or merely a meal or two for his loved ones in return of his patience to accept himself as a fool.

But sadly, it’s an auction-
Rather a sale with offers and discounts!
Where he competes to showcase his best-
The catch- at bare minimum to make the ends meet
Tomorrow he might cause ruckus,
Day after- a havoc,
But it is today that he must act like a gentleman, or a sheep with a worth
Else, he might have to go back to his own abode-
To empty stomachs and eyes with disappointment.

Posted in Experience, People, Poem

A Man Sleeping On The Road

Posted on by Ruchi Bhardwaj

Wasn’t a morning, neither a night
It was just a noon- a time nobody cares to write with pride
That is when I met him
Rather a glance while he was at rest.
A beggar, a thief or just another vagrant-
Simply I do not know.
I saw a man that just ‘another afternoon’-
A man sleeping on the road,
The penchant for pain was obvious
Hence, I stood there in awe and wonder
No alcohol, just a dirty pillow beneath his dreams
An ugly torn quilt atoning the crimes of that winter wind.
I looked and looked; It was more than a while
Tucked in during the day time
A tiny wound let his head hurt
Did anyone sing him a lullaby?
Did anyone, anyone kiss him good night?
When ire of his destiny started knocking at the door of my empathy-
That is when I decide to get past

I saw the man
Now a chilly night
He still was tucked in, sleeping sound
I stepped towards him
That is when derision mocked life
He still was at rest, but now in peace .

-Ruchi Bhardwaj