When I Realized Poem by Nikhil Parekh

The first time I saw a blind man groping wildly in daylight; I felt like running away; profoundly appalled by the pathetic sight,
Although the next instant when I realized that I had eyes; was bestowed upon by the creator with pellucid sight; I maneuvered him benevolently to cross the crowded street.

The first time I saw a dumb man; trying to convey messages frantically waving his arms; I felt asphyxiated for breath; almost swooned heavily on the ground, Although the next instant when I realized that I had a tongue; I opened my mouth whenever he wanted to speak; to portray his message articulately to the world.

The first time I saw a maimed woman slithering helplessly on the ground; I felt globules of water well up my eyes, started to cry hysterically,
Although the next instant when I realized that I had a robust body; spurts of exhilaration circulating rampantly through my veins; I hoisted her deftly on my shoulders; transported her safely to her destination.

The first time I saw a grizzly haired old man with an abysmally shriveled skin; the cane stick he held shivering uncontrollably in his hands; I almost puked out the meal I had consumed for breakfast,
Although the next instant when I realized that I had enough skin on my knuckles; I solidly entwined my palms in his; commanded him immediately to emancipate his walking stick.

The first time I saw a deaf girl who didn't budge an inch even after hearing the obstreperous horns of the train behind; I collapsed in a bedraggled heap; witnessing her sheer numbness to sound,
Although the next instant when I realized that I could decipher the most intricate of sound; I snatched her far away from the path of the stridently blaring train.

The first time I saw a mad man incoherently banging his fists against acrid glass; trespassing naked through the civilized streets; I cursed destiny under my breath for making him imbecile,
Although the next instant when I realized that I had a sagacious mind of my own; I draped him in somber clothes; placed him immediately under psychiatric care.

The first time I saw a leper begging with an empty container on the road; I let out a gasp; sobbing profusely in my heart,
Although the next instant when I realized that I possessed immaculate skin; I decided to scrape it from my body; to graft the same on him as he inevitably needed it.

The first time I saw an injured man lying under a conglomerate of debris and wrought iron; I felt gasps of nervous exhaustion feverishly escaping my nostrils,
Although the next instant when I realized that I had raw energy incarcerated in my tenacious bones; I utilized it wholeheartedly for extricating him; against all odds from the rubble.

And the first time I saw the acrimonious world; with blood sucking individuals marauding freely around; the corrupt society depriving the destitute; I thought of ending life there itself,
Although the next instant when I realized that the Creator had blessed me with astronomical knowledge; the prudent ability to distinguish between the good and evil; I decided to fight audaciously; with my heart taking two beats at a time till I was successful in changing the complexion of this earth.