The Poor Little Girl

Well, who says life gives us a choice ?. Each door it opens for those in need, is closed because of our greed.

There she stands by the school gate...
Wondering whether she would ever make it in...
From here it all seems so great...
Is being poor that big a sin?

She stares at those toddlers as they pass…
Struggling and scrambling to miss the class..
She craves for those books, she craves for those bags..
But who would care for a little girl, in filthy old rags? …

Even she had dreams, as colourful as ever..
But now they are shattered, lost forever..
Yet, she stands by that big black gate..
Hoping somehow, something could change her fate…

Will she ever enter that gate? ..
Into the world unseen! ...
The school bell reminds her - she's late…
There are houses she must clean…

Picking those crutches from her side..
Along the street she limps…
Suddenly, she stops in her stride…
And turns, for one last glimpse…

Blind are we to the mistakes of our own…
Living for ourselves is how we have grown…
Blind are we to the sufferings of others! ! 
Isn't greed making us slaughter our own sisters and brothers? 

Author's Note

Something I see on the streets everyday :(

Reviews

[MsJewel]

Your words just break my heart...there are so many like this girl you have described which makes it even more heart wrenching. Outstanding writing my friend

:) Julie

[TheLostMind]

Thank you Julie.. I am glad you liked it.. Your review is awesome... The fact that this has come from an outstanding writer like yourself makes it more special.. Thanks again.. :)

[Aveira Corbett]

Very powerful, touching and well written. Thank you.

[TheLostMind]

Thanks for stopping by Aveira.. :).. I am glad you liked this poem..

[Kaelee Wyant]

This is one of the best/saddest poems I've ever read =( what about no child left behind?

[TheLostMind]

Thanks for stopping by Kaelee :)... The "No child left behind" program is only for the citizens of the United States?. What about millions of children around the globe?

[Cindy Marietta]

Absolutely love love love this. Shines some light on the misfortune of some children. Beautifully written.

[TheLostMind]

Thanks Amanda :)

[Pryde Foltz]

Blind are we to the mistakes of our own…
Living for ourselves is how we have grown…
Blind are we to the sufferings of others! !
Isn't greed making us slaughter our own sisters and brothers?

Great write. Empathy should be taught in schools.

[TheLostMind]

Thanks Pryde. I agree, empathy should be taught in schools. Actually, the Japanese do it :)

[Angad Waraich]

that was some great and powerful writing mate!
I too see it every day while commuting and you have done a wonderful job in capturing all that emotion.

[TheLostMind]

Thanks Angad :)

[AprilRN1210]

what a powerful, meaningful write! unfortunately, it is all too common... the thing I hate is those who have risen above and step on those whom litter where they once resided.. give back! start a cycle of change.. I know what it feels like to be that sad, lonely, poor girl with nothing, but with courage I have risen above, but not one dang day goes by that I don't remember and do my part to empower others! so well written.. can feel the emotion and the imagery makes it vivid and that much more moving...

[TheLostMind]

Thanks April :). "the thing I hate is those who have risen above and step on those who litter where they once resided" - believe me, the feeling is mutual. :P

[AprilRN1210]

you're more than welcome.. it was my pleasure..

[realmwriter]

I see the greed and poverty of a world that has forgotten the suffering of man. I see the depravity of a people that have gone mane in their quest for riches and power. It is no sin to be poor and it is no sin to wish the courage to walk up to your fear and face it and go through that gate to better yourself. The sin to me is forgetting from whence you came and becoming the very thing that you hate. This warns us of that. It warns us not to go back but to always dream and look forward, to always strive to be better than you where yesterday. Very well written and very reverent for our times.

[TheLostMind]

Thank you for your insightful review. :)

[realmwriter]

You're very welcome

[MomzillaNC]

A very poignant read and a harsh, but true conviction of society.

I do have a few suggested edits:

Struggling and scrambling [not] to miss the class..
She craves for those books… she [yearns] for those bags..
Picking [up] those crutches from her side..

[TheLostMind]

Thanks for the review. The "not" was left intentionally. Over the years I've learnt that we tend to disrespect / ignore precious things just because we've never strived to get them (everything was offered to us on a silver platter). The children inside want to miss their classes, while the girl outside wants to attend them :). Quite ironic eh?. Thanks for suggesting the usage of "yearns", it would fit perfectly. And yes, I guess I missed an "up" there. Thanks for pointing that out. Will edit the poem. cheers :)

[MomzillaNC]

You're welcome. Glad I could help.