Crossing the Line

Sardar Montek Singh Ahluwalia,

He plan my poverty;

Suddenly I am a rich man,

For my income is thirtythree.

Having crossed the line by a whole Rupee,

I now have more and more;

I see around my jhuggi things

I never could see before.

That magic buck floats angelic

Beyond my penury;

The thirty two upon the ground

Reach up for the Christmas tree.

The knowledge that this extra buck

Puts me among the haves,

Makes me feel I needed not

The sumptuous fishes and loaves

That I never had nor ever will

Find upon my skeletal palm;

Better prepared I am to starve

With thirty third for balm.

At thirty three the son of god

Suffered fake demise;

Food or no food I too am set

To rise, and rise, and rise.

Dear Montek, he give selflessly

Such healthful advice;

Soon no poor shall remain,

But plenty of rice.

September 25, 2011

Badri Raina

badri.raina@gmail.com