Shanty Dwellers Poem by Om Chawla
Shanty Dwellers
Behind the temple near railway track
A cluster of shanties with dwellers overpacked:
Ill clad, in tatters they shiver in winter
Famished faces, victims of hunger
Fighting the chill, ever in quarrelsome humour,
Around the leaping flames of fire
Sit in a huddle for long hours;
Awaiting dissolution of gloomy dark night
When chill might vanish in sunshine bright.
In the morning, after dutiful homage to the deity
On her son's success, an elderly lady,
In grateful celebration, to distribute charity
Approached the shanties with food aplenty.
Loitering children mobbed her instantly
Food soon vanished, consumed rapidly;
Many soliciting hands remained empty,
Some stood away watching wistfully,
Some sulked in anger staring scornfully.
Millions and millions have suffered through ages;
Vain were the preachings of sharing and charity.
Sharing among equals is a sign of comradeire;
Distribution in compassion is nothing but charity;
Inflating givers' ego, priding in magnanimity;
Convicting the receiver to a degraded stratum.
Its time to look and act beyond compassion
To abolish this system of social stratum,
So none needs charitable dispensation.
Sharing among equals is a sign of comradeire; Distribution in compassion is nothing but charity; I am with you my friend, the world is changing, let us hope that we will live to see it. Just like in my dreams, no hungry child no crying mothers for their lost in war sons, no other ignorance, fair share may fix one of our world troubles. The simple living should be all people's aim. One day my friend, I hope for it one day.
Great write.....! Great thoughts! Yes... it is not fair to dole away money as charity to inflate our own ego. Each one has the right to live in dignity and equality. The social dispensation that allows wealth to get heaped in the hands of a few at the detriment of others is not justifiable. But the act of the elderly lady is much more commendable than those of the ones who turned away in scorn! Today I read about the remarkable act of charity by the face book founder Mark Zuckerberg......At such a young age, what an achievement and what magnanimity! Top marks!
This poem will bring out the compassion in most people, at the very least it should lead to some soul searching. The message is beautifully transmitted in your poem.
A tremendous poem, Om. I totally agree. Altruism does not exist. A giver always receives. The world has to come to equilibrium, where charity is no longer required and all men can have dignity. Thanks for sharing. Peace
Distribution in compassion is nothing but charity; Inflating givers' ego, priding in magnanimity; Convicting the receiver to a degraded stratum.......very nicely envisioned.Deep feeling. Beautiful poem.Many thanks.
Distribution in compassion is nothing but charity; Inflating givers' ego, priding in magnanimity; Convicting the receiver to a degraded stratum......... very nicely envisioned. Great write. Many thanks.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/24/2024 6:49:59 PM # 1.0.0.1119
Fine composition of effective poetry with a rare kind of tale told for pensive reading..