Friday, July 3, 2009

Where they go


The footpaths on S N Banerjee and CIT
were littered with near-naked rickshawpullers
swooned in sweet fatigue after midnight
till a few days ago.
It's begun to rain now
and I wonder where they go...

11 comments:

Indyeah said...

:(
I asked this once of the rickshaw wallahs near my home..they said sometimes if they are lucky they went to the govt shelters if they are open..or else its a night under some shelter ..maybe a tree or a bus stand...or else its a night on the rickshaw...

Solilo said...

:(

Gauri, in few words you convey a lot.

Joe Pinto said...

Gauri - your heart is open to the poor, working people. As long as you care for them, you will keep your kindness. Peace and love, - Joe.

Gauri Gharpure said...

Indyeah, Solilo, Sir

Thanks for your comment. There have been constant problems with my internet connection and i have been unable to respond promptly...
:(

Indyeah, did you live in Kolkata anytime??

Malsawmi Jacob said...

This is really short and sweet, and sad thought provoking. The rickshaw pullers, pavement dwellers, beggars.... One feels so bad and so helpless!

Gauri Gharpure said...

mesjay-- helpless is the word.. yes..

aNuP__ said...

So few words...

Most of them are farmers. They are dedicated in earning sweat for their family, they can't go back home. It is the least that matters to them where they survive in the maximum city. But the city to which they give their bones is cold-hearted and merciless.:(

firaq darvesh said...

" Where they go ".....

Ages have come and gone
Leaving the oppressed suffer and torn.....

A land digger woman told me once...

We are adict of thirst,heat,cold and grief.
As you all are of comforts, food and home....

Oh lord, please do not have any more mercy on me now.....

-Baba/10-08-2009.

sm said...

just a few lines
and you touched to the every problem
we are facing
good lines good poem

Calliopia said...

This reminds me of the question that kept Holden worrying in Catcher in the Rye - where do the ducks go in winter?

Malsawmi Jacob said...

Hey, time for another poem :)