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.
