India 2007

India; The Life of a Child


Taught to hate at such young ages,
They go through life and its many stages.
Each raised to worry only for themself
They learn to steal from those who have wealth.
Babies go unloved; raised only to make money.
Taught to beg throughout the streets, they learn to be so cunning.
Some will be sold by the hour
As strangers pay to have this power.
Returning in the morning, they're sent back to the streets,
While they shoeshine to make money, their parents stay asleep.
Each fears the wrath when they return
If not enough that day was earned.
So full of life at this young age
They soon will learn to disengage.
Hurt and hate build up inside
But soon these feelings will collide.
Approaching yet another age
They act robotic by this stage.
The heart has numbed so deep below
Emotions felt, no longer flow.
These hearts that were so young of age
Have now grown up to be enslaved.
Repeating the life of those before
A head lays down on the cold, damp floor.
How much difference could it make -
How little effort it would take
To show them love at this young age
And maybe start a brand new page.
These kids who've learned only to cope
May suddenly be given hope.
I pray dear Lord to send them love,
The kind that comes from You above,
So maybe they will recognize
That through Your Son a new life lies.
India I'm called to be
So You can work and set them free.
Please don't let me be too still
But send me forth to do Your will.


~Susin Desai

8-17-07