Poverty – the scourge that has the World in its’ grip – By Noor Rahim

Poverty – the scourge that has the World in its’ grip – By Noor Rahim

Almighty God created our lives in equality

Born free & live free was the concept renowned

That now remains in the animal domain without much rivalry

But we Homo sapiens build in their domain – chased & killed

But “live free” is the portion that affects our lives quality

For God helps those who help themselves is the edict

 

Without means, there is no sustenance of life, is the cry

This requires the shedding of sweat and toil to a life, as desired

But this needs determination & will to lead a life comfortably

The fortunate are born with wealth inherited

And to most, earning as they go along in accordance with their ability

But made aware of the saying “Cut your coat, according to the cloth” is what is said

 

But to the very unfortunate, fate may take a hand and decree

A shortfall in the earning capacity that would lead one to be devastated

It could be through various misfortunes in life that can be in any category

All leading to a shortcoming in earning and insufficient for the demand

It is for this reason that one must “save for a rainy day”

Easily said, but at times it becomes a torment and lives devastated

 

Yes! This is where poverty takes a hand and has a life devouring spree

Some resort to eking out a meagre living vending “tid bits” till the day’s end

And yet others standing at traffic lights with placards requesting charity

But they all have to resort to such action as they also may have many other mouths to feed

Still others, like the vendor, do wish to remain dignified with pride, in their ways

And do myriad jobs, sometimes two or three, to see their families are fed

 

It is under these circumstances that there is a need to do “Charity with Dignity”

For these unfortunate beings are giving something in return for what is paid

But how many haggle with them to reduce the price, very vociferously

And how many reward the service providers and lower end workers at the end

I guess it is a common human trait to pay a bill at the store willingly

Pay restaurant bill with a flourish; and never think of rewarding the staff that waited

 

Finally we come to the creation of poverty through wars that rage daily

Creating such inhuman destruction of property and livelihood

Unabated do they continue with the carnage so devastating and direct

When the Pillar of Unity – the United Nations stand–by and merely watch verily

But solicits fund from the public to assist the displaced refugee claimant

What price Charity? What price Poverty?   

  

In conclusion have you tasted the crust of the bread that is thrown/cast away

To the hungry it is tantamount to a delicious treat

The moral of the story is to encourage one to donate to a Food Bank in whichever way

For the treat will be the whole loaf instead of the “delicious” crust

For the donations go to the families of the needy to drive hunger – directly

But always remember the caption “Charity with Dignity” foremost.

 

Noor Rahim

September 08 2022.