The Mendicant Poem by Raj Arumugam

Our fortunes are fickle
worthy Sirs and Ladies
changeable and moving

years we may live wealthy
and well to do
in the warmth of a home
and perhaps overnight
fortune moves or falls
and time drags us to the cold streets

Our fortunes are fickle
worthy Sirs and Ladies
changeable and moving

and the religious may come
with consolation
that God is radiant in the poor;
and the philanthropist might come
with offerings and schemes and smiles
all ways we become fodder
for other people’s motives

Our fortunes are fickle
worthy Sirs and Ladies
changeable and moving

but poor or rich
worthy Sirs and Ladies
desolate or constant
in a warm home or in the cold
let us be resolute -
and let’s live with dignity within
for that does not change
and time cannot take that away

Our fortunes are fickle
worthy Sirs and Ladies
changeable and moving