Bent was I,
From the world so dull,
I saw a hope,
Some young minds
In smoking puff.
I am a bent beggar,
So bent with age
Or
The world so stiff?
With one eye infected
And a broken heart.
I stood there,
Begging for a dime.
The youngsters saw me
But, ignored,
As did the world.
While smoking a cigarette,
One of them yelled
“Why do you beg? ”
Unable was I to speak
For the world has made me forget
Why do I beg?
Were those the mortal hopes
Which lay so dead in me.
Or was it the dead me?
So, bent with age
And atrocities
I still beg.
Ashamed was I to answer
But, I had to beg
But, I have to beg.
thanks for the poet note, but i did not understand what the meaning was of the following three parts of it: In smoking puff. ....do you mean the young people were standing in a cloud of cigarette smoke? Or The world so stiff? ....? Were those the mortal hopes Which lay so dead in me. Or was it the dead me? ...these lines are very interesting to read, but i don't know what they mean to you. i especially liked the lines: Ashamed was I to answer But, I had to beg But, I have to beg. AND One of them yelled “Why do you beg? ” Unable was I to speak For the world has made me forget Why do I beg? overall, i enjoyed the poem. i think some of the commas i would have placed elswhere. thanks for sharing. :) p.s. in response to the previous comment by N. Goel.....i think many people would rather work digging ditches or sitting at a computer than work at begging with an infected eye and a bent spine. though some beggers could get regular jobs no doubt, others probably have little to rely on other than the generosity of others. of course in america there is a network of welfare systems which help many people to not have to beg, but they do need to apply for assistance, and they don't always get it. and, yes, there are some who cheat the system. remember, the way a person looks does not always tell the whole story of their life and circumstances and ability to fit in to a normal workforce. : (
I like it...it needs for flow to it, but I like the concept. Kudos
Apparently simple yet moving and poignant. Makes you reflect.
take care of the beggars, the homeless. You'll be rewarded for it. good thought! heart is in the right place.
I really liked this poem. Very touching. It tugs at the heart strings. God bless you for writing this. This is truly a powerful piece of writing
An inspiring poem. Good effort Sharmaji. I have also joined the community of poem hunters. Please go through my Hindi and English poems. I would welcome your comments. Thanks
Good observation and the connection is really touching..........Please read my lines.Thanks.
That's sad. I've always tried helping the beggars. I once saw a grown man balling on a curb. Brought me to tears. This is a good peice. It reminds me of home. Thank you fir reminding me.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
poem is nicely written but i believe that beggars should do some productive work and then get money in return rather than begging.