Lucky Was Nelli Poem by Anil Kumar Panda

Lucky was Nelli
That she was born to an unwed mom
She had not a drunken father
And she lived in a shake in the filthy slum

Lucky was Nelli
That she had a heart so pure
She washed dishes in pubs and motels
With the money she helped the needy and poor

Lucky was Nelli
That she had beauty as a soft rose
When she walked down the streets of slum
The guys dance in delight and a thousand whistles blow

Lucky was Nelli
That she grew up like a lotus in mud
She was there when someone in trouble
Though her youth is not yet open like a swinging bud

Lucky was Nelli
That she worked hard and made some gain
A little she gave her mother to survive
She spent her earnings in the service of poor children

Lucky was Nelli
That she grew up to be wonderful lass
She struggled to buy her books and copies
She had a brain so sharp that she was no1 in her class

Lucky was Nelli
That it was time to beat the drum
The children danced and women sang
In tattered clothes the beggars jumped into pools of rum

Lucky was Nelli
That she was elected to the state senate
The mothers got care and youth got jobs
There was peace in houses and grandpas slept late

Lucky was Nelli
That she got a friend who was famous and rich
The air of Church was hot with excitement and joy
The bell rand loud as the car stopped with a faint screech

Lucky was Nelli
That she made the children go to school
The slum changed into a sort of heaven
There love, simplicity and discipline began to rule

Lucky was Nelli
She stands confident in the street square
A soft smile adorns her face
She shines brighter than the sun's glare