Survival Instincts Poem by Jaishree Nair

Wiping her hands on the apron
Went to answer a call front..
There on the step stood,
a toddler whimpering
with hands outtstretched..

wondering if he was alone
Saw a woman entering the gate
With a shabby knapsack on her back
Looking haggard...and starved...

The constraints of life
etched on her young face
A stoop to proclaim her battle with life
eyes reflected her inner turmoils...

The pathetic sight touched a sensitive chord........
Went inside to fetch her purse
Intending to wipe away their tears for a moment...
but dismayed to find them gone...

Not a trace to claim their presence
Just imagination...? she wondered...
Her eyes registered confusion...
Searched the whereabouts for tell tale signs...

Realisation dawned slowly...
A few bronze utensils laid out for polishing
Were missing....confirming their visit

She was left pondering...
Who was to blame?
Herself for the bait of temptations to lure the impoverished,
Or the unexpected visitors for their survival instincts
While suffocating in life's ordeal.

A thought troubling...