Living Corpses

 

Out casted by the living,

and drawn towards being dead,

he lies on the footpath,

with a hope that some vehicle

would run over, and relieve him of all pain. 

He wears filthy clothes which stink of garbage.

A copper bowl serves his existence.

With eyes speaking his misery,

his body bears a sorry picture of leprosy.

 

You will find such folks,

wandering in the city streets,

where the able pass by such living corpses.

Some feel that a rupee can lessen their pain.

But, all they need is love,

all they need is care,

and a healthy life again.

 

But we fail to look beyond such things,

 for we are too engrossed in ourselves,

self obsessed,

stressed,

like pilgrims in the journey of an unknown quest.

The fact of the matter is,

we remain in motion, but lack emotions.

 

It's not a pleasant sight to witness,

the falling of flesh, the scabbing of skin,

the slow demise of body and the demise within.

But, I wish that compassion in the world lives on,

for the Buddha once said,

"Have compassion,

 as some suffer too much, 

others too little."

 

- C Kumar

          21st May 2015

 

 

Reviews

[John Elridge Medlin]

Good poem you have here. The flow you have created is nice. You have utilized punctuation well to control the pace in which we read. The word choice was good as well. I think there are areas where some more editing and rephrasing would have served the poem. I look forward to seeing your continued development for sure. Its clear you have a lot to stay.

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks John for your kind words. I will look forward to improve the poem quality.

[D.T.]

I did a research project on Leprosy a few years ago...not sure why I'm telling you that but yea..lol..anyways great poem and I also love the message behind it. Excellent job!

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for your review D.T. :)

[Willard Wells]

I know for the most part this disease is not a big threat, but in some part of the world people do still suffer with it. A very sad yet beautiful work expressing the pain of their existence. Your concern and care come though in your work. Thanks,

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for your review Willard :)

[marcus]

Your poems touch on deep and meaningful subjects. Important social commentary. I love it!
Love and compassion sometimes seem all to absent in our world!

[Chirag Kumar]

The more we are moving towards materialism, the more we are losing the human in us. It is the need of the hour to wake up and take notice of this. And thanks for your review Marcus :)

[marcus]

well said my friend!

[Perkele.7885]

There but, for the grace of God go I! Leprosy is a hideous disease to have both within the body and unattractive to those that look upon you. It is hard not to stare but, it is easy to be caring if serving people is something that your God teaches you.

[Chirag Kumar]

I agree with you and thanks for commenting :)

[Jamestown]

Well penned!
I can understand this message very clear,
I don't believe in Buddah but I can certainly
understand and appreciate the message:)
Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for the review Jamestown :)