A Beggar's Dream Poem by Shankaran Kutty

Like a nomad lost in desert sands
I wandered, but still I saw my dream
Of joys and pleasures and acceptance
I swore not to lose my self esteem
For still I believed that day would come
When into some heart I would be welcome

I welcomed her with open arms
Into the bivouac of my life
To soothe my heart so singed from barbs
To wipe away my strife
Yet who is man to fight his fate
For me the sorrows never did abate

All my hopes, my dreams, my life
With her cruel words, did she scythe
Leaving me in sorrow, stranded
With an indifference so blithe
Even the rushing torrent of eternal time
Could save my life from slime

The sun rose and set along with hope
Darkness filled the land and mind
In all the glitter that lit up the sky
Not a ray of light for me could find
Yet when I heard a lonely bird sing
I dreamt of joys my future could bring

My foolish heart still does dare
To hope for a day when I would sleep
In peace and mirth would fill my life
And a day would pass when I won’t weep
Would it be even by happenstance
Or be in vain my heart’s sprightly dance

Is it only for the rich to sing
And dance in the autumn rain
And for the poor to tread the path
Of thorns and suffer the silent pain
The flowers that bloom so bright in spring
Can’t I share the joys they bring

The stars that dot a new moon night
Rainbow across the dark blue sky
Meadows green and a nightingale’s song
That floats across the mountains high
To see a sad play and heave a deep sigh
I will be happy with these pleasures no one can deny