Poor man's gratitude for the thoughtfulness of the rich

You, of the big car and important job
Heading with an astute purpose while
We, of the filthy feet and empty stomachs
Bow and manage a sullen smile.

Your important job in the important bank
That comes to my village with micro-finance
The money-lender sits grumpy in his house
His important job gone, gone his dominance.

If you get any, in your purposive life
You must think a little in your free time
Of us, the charity for your Christmas,
Of the filthy feet and dark grime.

You, of the virtuous candlelight vigils,
Introspective, talk of the purpose of being-
Being more than just a fluttering of life
On the earth, cognizant of the daily dying.

Us, of the names of your slogans
Shameful, ignorant of the debt we owe
Animals, we forage for daily bread
Unsympathetic of your profound woe.

Of how you bring us development
Of how you fight for our survival
While we weep for the drying river
You, gift us with a new tube-well.

Perhaps in another life, when
We are rid of the ugly darkness
In our heads, we will thank
Your concern and righteousness.