People of this town would once share the glory
of standing beside the million people who were in misery.

Afflicted people from the adjacent war ridden place
sought refuge here and got it with such a grace.

People of this town had once such a brave hearts
they felt pride in sharing belongings baring all ifs and buts.

People of this town then despite becoming very poor
had broad minds which would have widely open door.

People of this town would be such compassionate and kind
searching the globe perhaps such people you'd nowhere find.

They would share a plate of rice even in severe dearth of food
and in matters of sharing love and care they won't surely brood.

People of this town would surely not live with fear in their mind
and surely would have protested any act seemingly very unkind.

But people of this town now alas! have become very rich
else how the cry of poor from the street may not to them reach!

People of this town now do not feel at all any shame
when street hoodlums beat street infants in a mood of game.

People of this town now devour the sight of a child falling dead
and do not feel any sympathy for them who've just been preyed.

The people of this town are now selfish and until they are hurt
they like to act as deaf and dumb who have also lost their heart.



[ This poem is based on a photograph of merciless beating of street children before public eye published in a local daily ]








© Palas Kumar Ray.All rights reserved.

Palas Kumar Ray

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