*
The vultures hover above their tiny heads.
The wind here has never stood still, the putrid smell of decay fills the air.
Their dirty hands, the sewer nearby and the food crumbs tell an endless tale of survival.
There is no healing except from the spit of the child-bearer.
A life’s worth of lessons learnt, but there is no classroom in sight.
The friends are also here hunting for any pieces of metal or glass that they might stumble upon.
In the moonlight, the yellow teeth smile where a good catch for the day is an old ring on the finger.
*
I pick up the pieces of the broken glass picture frame with my hands, vary of every piece left behind on the floor. Tears run down my cheeks and there is only one thought in my head. One by one I collect them nervously, this is my one year old’s favorite place to play in the entire house. Right behind the TV stand, next to the dusty fireplace, this is his corner. But, again, there is only one thought in my head. I stand staring at the garbage can still holding the plastic bag full of the glass shreds, labeled carefully, and wrapped tightly, praying no child will ever hurt his hand picking through my debris. I write the above for all those children who make a living scouring through our trash and waste and who live each day at the end of this world.
With endless love and compassion that they don’t go to bed hungry tonight.
About The Article Author:
Our mission with FutureSTRONG Academy – to grow children who respect themselves, their time and their capabilities in a world where distractions are just a click or a swipe away.
I see myself as an advocate for bringing social, emotional and character development to families, schools and communities. I never want to let this idea out of my sight – Our children are not just GPAs. I’m a Writer and a Certified Master Coach in NLP and CBT. Until 2017, I was also a Big Data Scientist. In December of 2044, I hope to win the Nobel. Namasté.
Write to me or call me. Tell me what support from me looks like.
Rachana Nadella-Somayajula,
Program Director & Essential Life Skills Coach for Kids and Busy Parents
Poetry
12 Ways To Write A Great Poem, And How To Inspire Your Reader To Action
* Great Ways To Write A Poem: 1. A great poem must inspire every reader to act.2. It should feel relevant, and the concept must have universal appeal.3. It’s a piece of art, so show your uniqueness with it.4. Life’s already a huge puzzle, so don’t lead your...
On How To Write. Writing Hacks, Compelling Story Telling And Essays On Life
On How To Write. Writing Hacks, Compelling Story Telling And Essays On Life “To me, a short story is a conversation between writer and reader, since only the writer can speak, she must take care to respect the reader, to avoid telling him what to think, to...
Many Predicaments In Life. Writing Poetry Cannot Be One.
Poetry “How do 1 see the big picture and hold the world’s pain, and at the same time see all of the bright edges of joy? I think that’s at the center of my question.” ~ Poet Ada Limón Questions, just ask! Text or Call: 678.310.5025 | Email:...
In the Age of Dank Memes, Why Read Poetry?
* Just A String Of Words? A good poem demands the dignity to be understood. History repeats in its resounding words. Repetition is a poem's strongest flavors. Poems are words with life because they're current and most urgent with their message to humanity. Yet,...
The Mother Of All Emotions
* Before you think you can put a finger on love, Think of the time you saw the size of the butter stick in your mother's pie. Think about how all your life, you'll work hard enough to make your mother proud, Yet, you'll look up to see if the whole world has...
Still Standing, Still Standing..
* The below is a first person account of a village tree who lost the friendship of a small boy to the big charm of the city.. * At day break, I wait for your shrill cries of laughter to pierce my ears..I ponder while I drink the primary...
The Emigrant’s Anthem
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You Know You’re a Mom When..
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The Many Predicaments of a Single Woman
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Momentous: A Poem On The Value Of Time
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When Home Is Still Here And We Aren’t
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ప్రియ శరణార్థీ! నా జీవితం ఇలా నడవనీ.. (Dear Refugee, My Life Must Go On..)
* * * The original English version: Dear Refugee, my life must go on.. This poem appeared originally in The Saaranga Magazine HERE. * నన్నల్లుకున్న వెచ్చని కార్డిగన్, మెత్తని నా అరచేతుల మధ్య పొగలు కక్కే ‘లికరస్’ టీ........... పౌర హక్కుల్ని...
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Dear Refugee, My Life Must Go On..
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Questions, just ask!
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this is so heartfelt and moving,
your words touch,
lovely job!
powerful reflection of another kind of life.
way to go!
have fun,
if you wish to enjoy fresh talents more,
scan the participants list….
we always have two things in mind:
#1: return favors,
#2: do 18 poets NEW…
I see you almost everywhere around our community, thus I believe that you can contribute and add more sunshine to our place.
Happy Thursday!
Smiles!
love your work here.
Wow, a very unique and great stlye you have. Long may it continue. I am very impressed with this piece.
Here is my poem for the rally
http://kashaw.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/casino-jinks/
Kindest thank you,
Kx
deep and moving poetry, Heart.. well said..
mine for the Rally is Here
The word I kept hearing in my head as I read this…heart. This poem is all heart and I enjoyed reading it.
Happy Thursday!
Such depth! A beauty of a thing–brimming with passion. Quite impressive.
Your words definitely make one appreciate the simple things one can take for granted…thank you for sharing this.
extremely moving
Very touching poem.. Loved it…
Happy Rally…
Sweet Dish
–Someone Is Special–
I like this and your style. Good job conveying your emotions and the scene. Makes me think about the things I take for granted and the ways things are different in other places.
These visuals are lovely. Yellow teeth, you know? Brilliant, honey.
Thank you all guys, I am just so thrilled to pieces with you visitors, sleep is going to evade me tonight!
Humbled,
Rachana.
http://jinglepoetry.blogspot.com/2010/09/monday-poetry-potluck-kings-queens-and.html
Hello, friend:
Monday Poetry Potluck Is NOW open, linking is open from Sunday 8pm to Tuesday, 8pm, welcome join us by linking in 1 to 3 poems, you could use an old poem, the more you share, the happier we are…hurry up!
Thanks in advance.
Hope to see you in our lovely potluck…
xoxoxox