A socially aware poem, about street children, by Harinder, exclusively for Different Truths.

Outside the window in my room 
I see the street children, bare feet
Tattered clothes, dirty faces, and some food bits in hands to eat
They sit and play in the park and sleep there till it gets dark
And then their mothers come to take them back home
As they work in the houses nearby,
They have to leave their children alone.
Excitedly they hug their mothers and walk with them, feeling secure
For another night in a dingy hut, oblivious of their crimson sores
As a poet, I should be looking at the morning sun
The clouds, the trees, the birds having fun
But instead of looking up at the sky
I don't know why
I keep watching at the little ones
Learning a lesson or two from street children
To smile and share in adversity
Which we well-to-do seldom do,
Even in abundance and prosperity.

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths

Harinder Cheema

Harinder Cheema is a renowned poetess and an internationally published author. Her novel, ‘The Temple Stop’ received ‘The Best Book of the Year Award 2020’ by Aghaaz, Author in You. She is the co-author of 17 poetry anthologies. Her short stories have been published in the coffee table books. Her articles have been published in various international magazines, and she has also received many prestigious honours and awards in the field of literature.