Encounter with a Street Child - September 1989

Girl Beggar at Bombay Churchgate Station

Dead eyes, haunted eyes,
Lonely in the throng.
Tangled hair, bed of lies,
Who has done you wrong?

Filthy skirt, plaited whip
Hidden behind your back,
Surely not to make you skip
Just to earn your snack?

Outstretched arm, begging hand
Pulling at my heart.
Threatened, told just there to stand,
Forced to play a part.

Slave child, bonded girl,
Victim here, for what?
Rupee or two just for a swirl?
Pawn of a conman’s plot?

What will become of her?
Will she die or live?
Will she yet my conscience stir?
What can I, will I, give?