Veruschka Pandey, Class 8, The International School Bangalore (TISB), Bengaluru
I run away in anger because of my mother’s scolding I walk on the streets to pacify myself, but her words still sting Walking on the road with tears all over my eyes, Walking with my little problem, while my inner soul dies On the road, I spot a little girl Her eyes as beautiful as pearls But her clothes were ragged and tattered What a contrasting scene, it was almost absurd! She was on the streets, singing desperately for money But while she sang, she was smiling pleasantly and looked sunnny She had a bright smile because she had no tears left to cry She had no money, so she sang mellifluously and tried Then I looked at myself up and down I looked at that girl who had nothing but didn’t frown I looked at that girl who had nothing but had talent and happiness And those are the most important things, I have to confess Poverty is imposed and the worst crime Imagine that you didn’t do a sin, but are disrespected and don’t even receive a dime Imagine that just because of your birth, you have to beg and do hard work on the streets Imagine a life without a house, respect, gifts and treats We humans have become so spineless that we judge people on money! Money is just a bunch of paper used to fill our self-pride and greed I lend my hand to the girl and gave her 100 rupees She cried of happiness and hugged me on her knees What is true joy and happiness? It is giving the ones that have less The best thing in the world is to light up someone’s day “If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also lighten your path.” as many say…