soft grumbles

At the stoplight while driving on my way to school today, a little girl about 8 or 9 went to my window selling rags. In her most pleading stance, which I believe she's learned through the years, she kept on urging me to buy from her. I don't carry money with me all the time (read as I really don't have money, period) so I had to send her away. I thought, what in heaven's name are her parents doing to her? She should be enjoying her childhood, playing with her friends. Slowly, I began to feel angry.

Yet, while I moved on, cruising along C5, I realized, I could have been hasty in pointing an accusing finger. Her parents, I'm sure, were forced by circumstance. What parent, in his/her right mind will deprive a child of happiness? of a stable life? of education? Although I am not rich, I have a stable job, I manage to pay the monthly mortgage on a small house, eat three square meals a day and merienda, etc. My children have the luxury to play internet games which they can easily turn off when they grow tired of the game.

Truly, I have a lot to thank for.

Girl in rags

My heart bleeds
for a little girl barely eight
who finds the heat
of the sun her enemy.

She goes from car to car
stopped by the light,
to peddle her goods of rags
instead of just begging for alms.

Sun’s rage finds its way
To her nape and shoulders.
Burdened by the trouble of what
Food can be had for the day.

It will be raining soon.
Torrential monsoon flow
She may not succumb
to flu for she’s immune to the elements.

She can't stop to gaze
at the clouds to dream,
see that it forms a mighty
bird soaring high up above.

Work is all she does
be it sun or rain
light or dark.
No dolls to play with
in a cute little house.

My heart bleeds for this child
for what shall she do
when she grows up?
No books read, no toys
played, no fond memories
when she was a child.