THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

These people are just like you and me.

Then why is it that they suffer,

Whilst we live so comfortably?

We call them poor; we call them filthy,

But isn't it our mind which is really mucky?

We say that everyone deserves to be respected,

Then why are they the ones to be always humiliated?

We say money can't buy happiness

And it is true to some extent,

Then why is it that a farmer commits suicide

Just because he can't support his family and get them their rights?

We see them hopeless; we see them fall weak,

We see them feel helpless yet for them, we don’t even care to speak.

Don't you think even they deserve a place

Where they can also feel happy and safe?

I don't blame anyone but this system

Where the rich get richer and the poor poorer,

Instead of imposing labels on them,

It is time we stand up for their rights

It is time we end poverty and its plights.