By the corner of the old street,
an old seer sat,
a beggar’s bowl lay at his feet,
his only possession was a weaved mat.
People passed him without another look,
he was just another featureless element of the souk.
He lay there all day long in a heap,
as if in a trance that was deep.
The legend had it,
he was once the king’s mystic.
Mysteries of the future he did unfold,
great prophesies foretold.
He was a well respected man,
until he fell prey to a sham,
a prediction did not come true,
finally with him, the court was through.
Now he lived by the roadside,
probably in a bid to hide,
surviving on a meagre change put in his bowl,
while the days took their toll.
One day, an emotion overcame me,
it may have been pity or just curiosity,
I asked him how was he?
He lifted his head timidly.
His face was tired and resigned,
the eyes were kind,
a light shone through them,
I stood there mesmerised.
He raised his frail hand,
and touched my head,
speaking in a feeble voice:
he said ‘thank you for being nice.’
His comment tugged at my heart,
a humane touch is all one needs,
to care for another is an art,
to words of wisdom pay heed:
‘Greatness does not lie in books we read,
it lies in ordinary selfless deeds.’
An important lesson the seer did teach,
far and wide may his message reach.
What a fantastic poem! I think it is written in very melodious verses with great rhymes. But still the best part of it is its sublime message. I really believe that real happiness, real peace of mind lies in the small kindnesses we perform from day to day. It does not cost anything and we all have a lot of kindness inside. Why are we so stingy with it? Anupuma (can I call you so?) , I really hope many many people read this poem and get the message inside it. I have written something on kindness as well (speck of significance) on which I would like to read your opinion.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
beautiful poem with a strong message.loved it.