In the Slums of Heaven
K. Radhakumar *
Latika grows up as a beggar
In a noisy, very noisy Indian railway station.
She knows no parents
And a roof over her head is a far cry;
She does not even dream of one.
A rags-to-riches story is possible in fiction,
In a two hour cinema
But not in reality
And life is real.
Dressed in rags
She begs day in, day out
For begging is her life.
This she knows for sure
One day she will be known as
Rosy the prostitute
Till then she begs...
A handful of rice!
A loaf of bread!
A mouthful of water!
That's all.
I only wish I grew up with her
And became an artist
To champion an art form
Wedded to the beauty of life
* Poem written by K. Radhakumar which was published at The Sangai Express
This poem was webcasted on November 15, 2017.
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