A Nomad’s Bounty

a poem by Remigius de Souza

As you go globe trotting, O, you rich beggar,
Looking for know-how and markets, except
The add and multiply – your fond number game,

As if it’s never enough, even your occasional
Charity made for boon is not without the seal
of tax concessions in return on your acquisitions.

If you come across any on your way,
Be humble before the poor beggars.
They don’t cost you or your State,

or your society a Paisa* except a social shame.
They don’t even figure on the Voters’ List.
They are the silent Buddhas of your times

With begging bowls, a lesson without words.
Thus said a nomad once to himself: Learn
to divide and share the Nature’s Bounty.

(* Paisa: Indian currency, a hundredth part of Rupee.)