It Begs The Question Poem by AtreyaSarma Uppaluri

Our vain faces twist into a frown, seeing a beggar
We look the other way, or dismiss him with a swagger!

“It’s sheer laziness! ”… “Why not labour and earn? ”
“Let NGOs or government blot out this stain! ”…
“Ban this, a disgrace before the foreign tourists! ” -
A plethora of gratuitous and self-righteous platitudes!

Friends, why an empty talk to an empty stomach?
Let’s be a bit humane and honest
It’s just a pittance of a rupee or two,
A morsel of food, an old shirt or sheet
That brings a grateful smile on their face.

Let’s glance into our glittering mirror:
Luxury hotels, binges; hefty bills and tips – splurge!
Mega markets and Imax fun – spill!
Gifts galore to dear and not so dear – lavish!
Temple visits, elite tickets, hundis –a grand spend!

Rank wretched are beggars, else who likes the odium?
A few able bodied? They’re mental unfits

If only they turn into a militant gang? ! Don’t’ shudder –
A dime keeps them away from thievery, robbery, and…

[Apr 08,2009: : Hyderabad - 500 056]