Notes About The Poem

The Only Dignity He Ponders

Imprisoned by shackles of being born in a lower caste, his roads are blocked.
Rejected by society, he's sidelined to garbage ridden streets, where he sleeps.
Providence left him abandoned as destiny became the harbinger of mortality
Ravaging his saddened life in grief as if his existence is damned in punishment.

His hardened mind hosts no feelings, having lost all hope, dredging in survival
Saluting any glimpse of generosity with humility--the only expression he knows.
As misery and suffering take turns to torment him with pain he can't endure,
The only dignity he ponders : will his newborn manage to escape the same fate.

June 27, 2018
Placed 3rd:Eight lines of fate, when you wonder if it is too late contest by Silent One
End of June 2018 standard contest by Brian Strand
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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George Avatar
May 12, 2022 at 7:01 AM
So sad.... ! How poignantly you have delineated his fate....! The poor man's life tugs at my heartstrings ! His fear about his offspring's fate is so natural ! The man somehow can endure, but when he doubts if the same fate will fall upon his son, the pain becomes unbearable.
Raven Avatar
October 28, 2018 at 11:42 AM
Hi Vijay, much belated congratulations on your win with this sad yet excellent piece of poetry. Your words did pull at my heartstrings. Your words painted a heartbreaking picture with such skill. How sad that things are this way. There should be no yhem and us, we should all be we. I loved the content, touched my heart. Have a wonderful Sunday. Your friend always....Mike.
Dietrich Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 6:45 PM
I came back to this one and saw it became a winner. BIG congrats (belatedly)
Roper Avatar
July 21, 2018 at 11:10 PM
Congratulations on your win. Your words convey such a deep pain and hopelessness that is gripping. Well done! Hugs Eve
Gauthier Avatar
July 21, 2018 at 11:01 PM
A poignant write, Vijay. Well done. Congrats on your podium finish.
Gentry Avatar
July 21, 2018 at 4:35 AM
Congratulations on your win. A profound poem on fate. Sad too. Well done.
Sietesantos Avatar
July 20, 2018 at 8:20 AM
Swinging back to congratulate you on your win! Well done, my friend! Have a beautiful weekend! Hugs and best regards. Pandita
One Avatar
July 19, 2018 at 7:39 AM
Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Andresen Avatar
July 19, 2018 at 7:37 AM
- Many of the poems are so beautiful that they hit me in the heart ... I'm so glad I'm not going to judge ... I'm just gonna congratulate you on your beautiful win, Vijay :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Michael Avatar
July 10, 2018 at 7:45 PM
I like this...A mystery why this caste system has prevailed...I wonder...All the best Vijay
Pandit Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 3:47 PM
Thank you Arturo.
Andresen Avatar
July 4, 2018 at 8:11 AM
- This is what we call the back of the medal ... a powerful theme that we all have seen with our own eyes - Best wishes in the contest, Vijay - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Pandit Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 9:51 AM
So true..we have seen it..many thanks Anne-Lise.
Dietrich Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 3:19 PM
I saw some like this as beggars on the streets when I visited briefly Morocco and Israel. Yes, so sad but true.
Pandit Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 9:50 AM
Yes--you are right..thank you Andrea.
Sietesantos Avatar
July 2, 2018 at 2:42 PM
This is indeed a sad way to live when you are an "untouchable" and must accept your fate that you are trapped in this deplorable station of life and there is no escape from this vicious cycle. This is indeed a winner in my books and I am looking forward to seeing it on the winners list! Hugs and best regards. Pandita
Pandit Avatar
July 2, 2018 at 6:32 PM
You are right Pandita..a sad life for some..many thanks for the visit and your feedback.
Dietrich Avatar
July 1, 2018 at 2:10 PM
Oh my, this is so tragic to have to have this kind of life. To think it is a life of many in this world. I can't even imagine it. You really helped us to feel it, Vijay. One of the best entries in the contest I think.
Pandit Avatar
July 2, 2018 at 6:30 PM
Thank you Andrea. Yes--people do live like this...sad, but true.
Riabi Dziri Avatar
June 29, 2018 at 11:33 AM
You have weaved in a masterful way a profound prose that pierces the heart! A genuine story one can identify with! A story of a deploring fate wrapped up into well chosen wording and unique imagery. I tremendously enjoyed reading your beauty Vijay! A FAV and a win for me. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe and blessed.
Pandit Avatar
June 30, 2018 at 3:41 PM
Thank you Besma--truly appreciate your kind feedback....always a pleasure to read your comments.
Trifiatis Avatar
June 28, 2018 at 8:33 AM
A burning social issue that is intensified with the passing of time dearest friend, Vijay! Excellently done!
Pandit Avatar
June 28, 2018 at 9:58 AM
Thank you Demetrios..delighted by your visit and comments.
Malik Avatar
June 28, 2018 at 5:58 AM
Reminds me about the poor Dalits in India, powerful 8 lines.
Pandit Avatar
June 28, 2018 at 7:22 AM
I agree..hope others can relate to it in some way as well..many thanks Yazmin.
Horsman Avatar
June 28, 2018 at 2:44 AM
A winner for me, Vijay, love the message implanted in this wondrous poem..
Pandit Avatar
June 28, 2018 at 7:20 AM
Glad you loved the message Harry..thank you for your kind feedback.
Rose  Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 8:21 PM
So well written Vijay how sad it is when we birth children and fear the same outcome of poverty in their life. When we love we always want better for our children. Sad plight indeed. Gl .
Pandit Avatar
June 28, 2018 at 7:19 AM
Thank you Pixie--always happy to read your feedback.
Man Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 2:44 PM
Powerful, painful hardness. The sadness and sorrow that it could all be repeated again in a loved one. Vijay, this is incredible, interesting, and one of your best!
Pandit Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 5:01 PM
Always delighted by your glowing feedback..you are so kind Lyric Man..many thanks.
Onclaud Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 1:42 PM
ohh, very timely and distinct work, vijay... i believe heaven will see these people through... huggs
Pandit Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 5:00 PM
Thank you nette..appreciate the kind words.
S     Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 9:11 AM
Vijay, very moving poem! I must say this is exceptional!! "Misery and suffering take turns to torment him with pain.." WOW! I feel the intensity of this mans poor lot in life. Best of luck in the contest!!! ~Judy
Pandit Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 5:00 PM
So kind of you Judy..I really appreciate your glowing feedback..many thanks for the visit.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 8:55 AM
Powerful piece indeed. My best to you in the contest Vijay. xomo
Pandit Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 4:59 PM
Thank you Maureen--I am always happy when you visit.
Gentile Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 8:31 AM
Vijay, I certainly agree with Heidi, this is excellent and I am sure you will do very well with this entry. It is indeed powerful !!!
Pandit Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 4:58 PM
Thank you for your kind feedback, as always, Mike.
Sands Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 8:14 AM
Wow Vijay! So well done for this contest. Powerful too. This is excellent :)
Pandit Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 4:58 PM
Always appreciate your visit and comments, Heidi..many thanks.
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