Monday, January 21, 2013

Hanging Around


Thank you, blogadda!!


You wake up, go to the bathroom and look at the mirror’…
A child’s image with cleft lip and palate
Cowers in the edge; the slum boy's
mutated grin intrudes, shapes in form 
on your mute mirror-wall...  
medical care is beyond his paltry means; you nod
and hear your heart!
for once, you ruminate,’ how can you help him..?’
but then,  his eternal wants..... perpetual needs
cough up fire; and it throws you into an abyss
insists…  you lie dormant,......Silence seeps
You look into the mirror again;
 this time.....he ceases to smile. but
the weight on his eyelids cracks a light
and pushes you in the waning light… one more time!
you stand.....surreptitiously....disguising yourself
you start wiping the mirror to free the grime
 ...the stains.....disorders.... ...ennui....reflection
you know  well,  nothing can be reversed 
a slum life is putrid, and
almost unbreathable… the tunnels have no lights, no air
an impassable wave of guilt gathers and breaks  inside you
you mourn…winds roar on high outside
clouds come by camouflaging those gruesome stares
Like a shadow, the image slips out noiselessly        once again,
…and in a minute, you pull back           disappear! 



Poverty, hunger, disease stalk our world… and when I see beautiful children smiling in photographs or on films, it numbs my heart. Wonder, is  it a message of hope? Do I pity them? Have they just not yet learned to pity themselves? It's heartbreaking to say the least....

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggersby BlogAdda



64 comments:

  1. Panchali this emotional post got me thinking.This is a biased opinion because i have seen only India--but i say this is the worst country for children to be born in.If it is not selective abortion then it is new-borns being thrown on the roads alive,or being burnt to a cinder in mismanaged incubators.If they survive,then there are plenty around to molest them.I or you,could go on & on---it is too depressing.
    I am sorry to start the day on this sorry note for you Panchali.

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    1. Indu,
      I have seen drought, hunger crisis putting millions of children at risk in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia ALSO...so, here I'm not talking about India alone!! What has unfolded in India is unfolding elsewhere also..!
      We need to accept the basic truth: that is...in modernizing, the gates of the rich prosper,..and the poor take down one another, and their deaths do not bother or matter at all. In the age of global market capitalism, hopes and grievances blunt our sensitivities....alas!
      Normally I run like hell in the opposite direction when I spot a little beggar coming my way...:(((
      It is depressing alright... but, I am happy, that my words have hit the mind of an avid reader like you!No issues...I posted this last night, it's sad that you caught up the post in the morning.
      Cheer up...*patting in a humble gesture*

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  2. Th poem cannot be more poignant . . admire your versatility ma'm !

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    1. Thanks Maliny... your visit pleases me no end... :))))))

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  3. very touching! In our society, we have gain come to live by jungle rules, 'survival of the fittest'. Mighty rule and weak are their fodder. Kids in slums are the worst kind of sufferers.

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Ah Meenakshi...You couldn't have said it better. Takes one to see one I guess...:) But you will cheer up... we all do. And we come to terms- rather shamefacedly- with ourselves.

      Cheer up... :))))

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  4. The situation is indeed heart wrenching -- and you have depicted the resulting confusion and chaos of our own minds and heart so wonderfully well. A warm poem that gets you thinking.

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    1. Arti...Thanks for the warm comment... coming from you that's quite a compliment.!! :)
      And what happened to your friends..?
      Thanks:)

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  5. Very soulful and poignant...

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    1. Thank you, Amit. It's a human tragedy...sigh!

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  6. We see them everyday, we feel for them, it makes us think but we don't do much correct it. In a way we all are guilty of that. :( I can feel the pain in your words, Ma'am, very beautifully conveyed once again. Have immense respect for the issues you choose to write about.

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    1. Yes Akshay...we see it everyday and everywhere! It is a simple, shocking fact that shames each one of us!It’s just disgraceful that children live in such poverty today....I was so sure, a sensitive person like you would feel the emotions..I am so pleased :)
      Always a pleasure to see you here...Thanks!!

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  7. poignant is the word -love your posts mam-kudos

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    1. Happy to read your appreciation, Vinisha. :)))Thanks!

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  8. Awwww...you brought the melancholy quite well. Good post. I missed writing this time due to my hectic schedule.
    ___________________________________
    Pl do vote for me here- http://www.indiblogger.in/getpublished/idea/396

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    1. Thank you so much for your compliments....I am so pleased, Ekta :) I shall check your post soon..

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  9. Panchali, very well said and this is the stark truth that we are facing today. May be there's still a ray of hope but the silence of those who know and do not do anything is more dreadful. We need to question ourselves everyday,What best can I do? Individually, as a Community, as a Society. If every individual ponders on this, perhaps there will be less misery.

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    1. Fayaz ...I am glad you agree with me. One never knows what poverty-stricken families go through and what fissures stay hidden in their soul.

      I am so glad to see you here... :)))))Thank you.

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  10. An eternal problem, it seems - but never our personal problem! You have put the case convincingly in the most compelling form I have yet come across. The feelings and the compulsions are both very vivid. Something terrible and shameful has become the vessel of a new beauty.

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    1. King Alexander..Gruesome is what I wanted to write. Glad I've been able to do it. :)))
      It is indeed a simple, shocking fact that should shame politicians.. I often get the impression they are trying to starve the poor out of existence! Sigh! It is terrible...!
      Thanks so much for your meaningful comment. I do appreciate.:)

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  11. I'm glad that there are people who share the pain. I wish the world is a better place for our children to be born in . . . in India, especially the girl child.

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    1. JK...A comment like this from a community doc is definitely encouraging..Just checked your blog, and I am so impressed with your blog. Thanks!
      Hope to see you more on these pages..!

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  12. Hi Panchli ji,

    Wonderful depiction of a mirror as a viewing lens to see the varied hues and shades of this life. Not all people are equally blessed with fortune and you've touched upon the prompt beautifully. It's always a pleasure reading your posts, keep it up. :)

    Do have a look at my Get Published entry :)

    Regards

    Jay
    My Blog | My Entry to Indiblogger Get Published

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    1. Jay! You read me so well...Glad you were able to navigate through the maze of emotions and emerge safe and sound.hahaa..
      Thanks!

      Have voted for your contest entry. Waiting to read the full version:)

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  13. Unfortunately there is no simple solution for hunger and poverty.

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    1. Yes Rajesh, A certain class of people produce children in the full knowledge they cannot support them and in the expectation that others will do so...and the 'others' have their own commitments! So, there's no solution apparently:((
      Good to see you here always!:) thanks...

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  14. WOW Mam.. what a beautiful piece of writing that is.. beautiful, poignant, heart touching and breathtaking.. lines evoke countless emotions.. Kats off to you on writing on such an emotional and relevant subject..

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    1. deepak...This is why I wait for your comment avidly.... 'Cause you understand what I try to say... :)))Keep coming with your encouragements! thanks...

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  15. A completely different take on this week's WoW than I've read on several other blogs. Poignant and evocative. A beautiful piece.

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    1. Mixi!!Thanks for the appreciative comment... Hope to see you more on these pages!!:)))

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  16. You really touch the chords ... poverty is always so difficult to bear !!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Speck. Was waiting for you to come and read this post!:)

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  17. Very well written--sad and poignant! Straight from the heart!

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    1. MM..You made my day, dear...thanks!:))

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  18. You know Panchaliji I have always felt I wish I had a magic wand at the swoosh of which all the problems on this earth could vanish specially poverty and hunger. I hate to see them like thing specially young children.. ..it breaks my heart.

    Touching post :')

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    1. Oh....how I wish, we had the power to uproot this disease. Takes one to see one I guess...In a world where thousands die of malnutrition every day...it is bound to break hearts(
      Thanks Me...You are good. I mean better than good :)

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  19. The thing to wonder is how much these street urchins are keen on education. They are on drugs, and too-grown up for their ages.

    www.anucreations.blogspot.in

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    1. Anupama...Good to see you after a long time! Your objections carry some weight, but...here I am talking about little kids,who go beyond the realm of ...locations, looks, and tricks !!
      Thanks for being here.

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  20. Replies
    1. Shubhorup...But you will cheer up... we all do. And we come to terms- rather shamefacedly- with ourselves.
      Cheer up!

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  21. Give them a buck when you can. How can that be bad?

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    1. Question is how much can you pay...and to how many people??!!!

      I have never given any money to little beggars, but in some cases i bought them something to eat. I am attached to a charity working with the homeless...and occasionally donate whatever I can to that organization....and that surely isn't bad...BUT, does that bring solution to this problem...? No!
      Thanks Shovan.

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  22. Hunger, poverty, disease...all are undesirable for any human being. Very often people start talking of capitalism as the source of such misery for people, who become 'fodder' for the 'mighty'. Well, it's not about relative deprivation. It's about absolute deprivation. The point is I won't like to sleep hungry irrespective of whether someone else is getting food/deserts or not. And the experiment with socialism has failed world over because of its inherent tendency of incentivizing free-riders. Despite its shortcomings capitalism is the economic system which maximizes output (surplus in Marx' words) by creating appropriate incentives - even Marx admitted it. But distribution issues remain in a capitalist system. Of course, if you are utilitarian, a la Bentham, you would not care about it (equality or lack of it). But the other extreme of Rawlsian maximin justice is also Utopian. We have to find a balance in between these two extremes. As for distribution of resources or reducing inequality, the institution of State has this primary responsibility of addressing this, at least in a democratic & welfare state such as India. Unfortunately, our country has been ruled by greedy & incompetent people for decades (since independence). The Preamble of our Constitution talks of India as a 'socialist', 'republic' nation, inter alia. The truth is we are neither 'socialist' nor 'republic'. Socialism has been well and truly replaced by crony capitalism. Republic is a big joke in a country which is ruled, and will in all probability continue to be ruled, by a handful of families -'dynasties'. And because we so strongly believe in dynasty system - art, politics, entrepreneurial ability, all run in our blood - that a poor's child is condemned to remain poor, irrespective of her merit/abilities. I wonder how long it will take for us -India, the aspiring global superpower- to do away with the three undesirable, not necessarily disconnected, things this poem brings out so poignantly.

    Ashwini

    P.S.: Why did you change the layout of this blog. Wo zard patton ka girna...

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    1. Ashwini....Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Indisputably, what you have siad is correct. In no way, my owrds also speak about 'what is' and how 'my' self faces it. I am not an expert or an actovist to speak on 'what ought to be'....and how do we realize it. However, whatever may be the form of governance, 'equity' should never be a pariah word.

      Aap ne farmaish ki...zard patten khud b khud vapas :D

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  23. Panchali ji, every time I read a poem of yours, I'm left beguiled. The way you paint a picture with words is terrific. :)

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    1. Wow....am so pleased, Vaishali :)Thank you for the wonderful words of appreciation. They mean much to me...:)))

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  24. couldn't have been better... :)

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    1. Opinions and milk of human kindness, yes....thanks Cynosure :)

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  25. We feel all that and more so helpless. Why on Earth kids have to grow through all that. Atleast we should have better laws for protecting and caring children. In New Jersey there is a rule which is called 'No name, No shame' If you can't raise your child for financial or other difficulties, you can simply go to police station or hospital and no one will ask you any question. They will take care of the child. How wonderful!

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    1. Saru...Thank your for telling me about the wonderful system. I never knew about it, and it is exactly the method through which I wish, our govt could also contribute....how wonderful, indeed!!
      Thanks for adding value to my blog.:))

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  26. It was such a poignant write up Panchali ji..

    some Darwinism got into them early? These little ones fend for their-selves battling against have-nots at such an early age. Sad shape of state.

    Do visit my blog! Would love to see you by! *cheers*

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    1. Yes kappu...it's sad..You and m have opinions... and milk of human kindness. And that's it..!!
      Thanks for being here. Good to see you always!:)

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  27. The grim reality of so many poor!Very well depicted in this poetic weave Panchali!

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    1. Rahul...I am sure his life's misery quotient knows no bounds, no matter how many tears we shed in loneliness. Thanks for coming by...:)

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  28. Very thought provoking and emotional.

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    1. Indrani..I enjoyed writing it too...:))) Thanks for the visit..

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  29. I come here again n again ,read your poem and find myself speechless, wordless and helpless every time... Awestruck with your writing and dumbstruck with what you have portrayed with your words...

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    1. Odyzz...the feeling is mutual. John Keats mentioned a thing of beauty is a joy forever ...and i remember that when I read your poetry!:))
      Thanks a lot for your constant support and encouragement:)))

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  30. First time here..... does leave one pondering, or is it that we see these sights daily but look the other way?

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    1. Haddock! Welcome to my space... :)) Well said, we see them everyday..yet we choose to look away. It feels good to be invisible at times....after all, we are naturally ugly and sinful beings!
      Thanks for being here:)

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  31. How very true. I love your way with words - truly evocative

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    1. Thank you belly...!! Appreciate your compliment.. :))

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