Shashi Gupta

As a child I used to pretend
That sunbeams pretty, I could pluck.
Tie up in knots and keep in my stock
Of all my worldly precious things.

Someday then, I would imagine,
When the sky with clouds is darkened,
I'll take one out, unfurl its length
And spread light amongst the forsaken.

But that was my childhood dream,
And now I'm a full grown woman.
There's much to be done and I'm just one
But I know I have to keep on trying.

Childhood is abused and beaten
Youth lies in gutters in stupors
The old are abandoned and forgotten.
What has mankind reduced itself to?

Come join hands in this endeavour
If we try we can uplift the poor.
The needy cry out, we can hand out
Some caring, warmth and love amongst them.

Now is the time to use my bundle
Spread light in these darkening lives.
Spread smiles, they cost not much
And from one they pass on to another.