Please bear with me for uploading this photo. It is a stark reality that while some people do not know what to do with their money and some have to beg for their next meal. Socialism is not the solution but neither is pushing the poor folk to the state of remaining poor always. Never try to encourage giving alms but always remember to give a food packet to a hungry mouth. Life may seem unfair but experiences and situations are just a lesson along the journey of life.
She was standing there with her child
her arm extended, pleading for some money or food
the clothes torn and unkempt hair
life on the streets just seemed unfair
people looked as they walked by
some paused to search for coins they could spare
some had smirks on their faces
as they walked into restaurants
to enjoy their costly meal
her child cried for food
the policeman chased her away
picking her child up
she tried to hasten but swayed
hunger was taking its toll
the policeman cared less
there appeared a familiar face
her expression of plea froze
she picked her speed and ran with all her might
they would chase her, she knew
and probably hurt her child
she did not want to join the beggar mafia
even if it meant food that night
she ran towards a shelter
she wanted to escape
hiding her child, she thought of the solutions
the orphanages and the shelters
the papers told a different story
she ran again and this time to the railway station
she bumped into some children
they smiled at her
offered her food
the mother looked at her
she blabbered about her situation
a confused state
she was hugged
the mother took her into her car
a comfortable house with lots of space
she could not believe it at first
she was given clothes and food again
the child seemed happy and started to play
she agreed to stay and help the mother
the husband was dubious
but knew his wife was kind-hearted
yet another soul was rescued that day
It might seem that this story is a bit too unreal but there are people in India who try to rescue beggars and help them to stand on their own feet.
If you must give alms, give food and not money unless it is for a good cause because there are a mafia who tries to hurt children so that they can be used to beg and bring in money.
©sayee