The Blind Woman Poem by John Sensele

At Nkana shopping mall, an emaciated hand outstretched
Hunger and thirst aren't far fetched
Alms from a compassionate Samaritan parachuted into her hand
The blind woman wonders if she belongs to this land.

From sunup to sunset escorted by her urchins
They shamble through Shoprite with sunken chins
‘Uncle, I'm asking you for a dime, ' an urchin pleads
A baby cries for her malnourished milk feeds.

Disability isn't inability, the blind woman hears
Lofty words, no concrete actions, only tears and fears
Cash transfers for the vulnerable, stewards chew
Plaintive pieces, more promises. On her torn feet no shoe.

Night falls, the blind woman and her urchins sleep rough
June chills, moon ills, no thrills in the woman's trough
Shoe brushes she sells
Maroon moon rings her bells.