Street Child

Tattered clothes and a bruised face

And looking oh so lost and wild

Orphaned and abandoned by all

He is called merely a street child

He stands all day at the traffic signal

Running from this car window to that

Begging for a glance and a few coins

His small hands outwards spread

Most people shut their ears to his pleas

And others simply avert their eyes

 They sit in those air conditioned cars

That remain symbols of their pride

They do not take in his appearance

Nor hear his futile desperate cries

To avoid him they speed up and leave

Failing to notice his fear and fright

They speed up to warm meals at home

While he begs for little crumbs

No refuge, and without a shelter

He sleeps on footpaths and in slums

He wonders quietly why he got this life

Where he is treated like a rabid dog

Ignored, leading a loveless existence

Feeling like he is the society’s rot

So next time you’re at a traffic signal

Please do give him a tender glance

All he needs is a little love and help

And at life, just another chance

Trust me, just a little help and love

Will for him go a long long way

And that small smile on his face

Will definitely make your day

© Copyright Renu Vyas