Designer And Architect Poem by DrTP Sasikumar

'Feeding the poor, ' a day of festivity

For the more fortunate me

I watch in amusement

As rice served in plates

Vanish into hungry mouths

Even before the curry arrives

'The hungry need no curry.'

Thus reads the loaded proverb.


The entreaty of the beggar for alms

From pavements and train stations

Blend with the heavy air,

My clever mind haunted by doubt

Searches for excuses;

The call of my heart too soft for my ear

The out-stretched arm, too dark to be seen.


Stretching his arms for alms

To the rich or poor he knows not

He surrenders his ego to ugly fate;

I strictly remind him

Of the meanness of his profession,

I order him not to beg in future;

My impoverished heart and mind

Do not wish to see his outstretched arms

Or listen to his insistent entreaty;

I watch him retreat in silence

To the order of despair.


I stand victoriously at the other end

Basking in the glory of my existence

Until the sad truth hits me;

I am the designer, and architect

Of the man I label 'the beggar.'


Who is real beggar here?

See me on the other side!

I am at this end

Not my choice

I am in this life

My name, fame, status, religion

Nothing is my choice

All the gift of someone!



- - - - -080218- - - -