Little Girl Poem by Krishan kumar

Yesterday while sitting at the doorsteps of my house, my eyes fell upon a girl
Standing few yards away, wearing a frock with twirl.
Face withered as a rootless sapling, and curly was her hair
Shabby was her appearance, feet rough and bare.
Moistened were her eyes, down was her head
She looked famished, and deprived of bread.

Her gleaming and glittering eyes, melted my heart
In a flash, my soul was torn apart.
I went to her, and asked her name
She wanted to tell but couldn't exclaim.
I gently held her skinny handand asked again
She told her name, and shared her pain.
I sat with her like a five year old child
Her voice was tender, meek and mild.
Her little eyes were wet, staring at me blankly
Gotoverwhelmed by her words, that she told me frankly.

What is this COVID 19? why are we in lockdown?
My family has nothing to eat, what'shappening all around?
Lakhs of people are affected, hundreds are dying
Since yesterday I haven't had anything, therefore I am crying.
Her face had blank expressions, tears welled up her eyes
When will this problem end? How did it arise?

I had kept mum, and patiently listened to her
This epidemic is transient, soon we'd conquer.
With a smiling face, I assured that girl
Never cry again, tears are precious like pearl
The core of my heart shattered,and soul was crushed
Blood rushed through my veins, and face got flushed
I gave her some money, and some fruit
She smiled tenderly, and looked very cute
I bade adieu to the girl, she rushed from there
I felt in my heart, that I had done something fair.