The Great Indian Kit Trick Poem by Dann Thomas

The Great Indian Kit Trick

Rating: 5.0


She stood in a long line, pouring with sweat.
Praying that there would be enough for everyone.
Finally, overjoyed and thankful, she collected her kit,
Plastered with grinning photos of 20 party leaders' sons.

She quickly hurried home to feed her children.
Ashamed to beg, her husband had hung himself a month ago.
She cooked a pot of rice, mixed with some dal,
And carried it past her hungry children to the hut next door.

She poured out a large portion for four starving faces.
Then came home, fed her children and licked the pot dry.
"Why did you have to feed them first, Mother? , ' they asked.
She replied, 'If they die of hunger before us, then what am I? "

POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
This kit, that contains grains, oil, soap etc. being distributed by political parties and individuals, does certainly provide some relief to many families. But is that sufficient? Can families survive for months on this kit? With each drought, flood, or pandemic, the government announces a host of new schemes. But will these one-time handouts, however, be enough to sustain families who have lost their family members, livelihoods and homes? Does it actually reach those who need it the most? Is there a secure delivery mechanism to the one in need, not the politicians' ample pocket? Or is all this just another photo opportunity? Governments should look into providing sustainable incomes and pensions for all. Not just a political handout. Not just a quick fix kit trick.
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