The Lotus

Today I live amidst the glitter and shine..
The joy of the world seems to be mine..
I roar in pride to the world today..
But deep inside, I've lost my way..

Those days when luxury was unknown..
When no one knew how to be alone..
I ran in my rags in the thin corridor..
Filth and dirt would cover the floor..

We kids knew to smile with all our might..
Though our abode wasn't an enchanting sight..
The adults squeezed their souls and hearts..
So that no day fear of hunger would start..

Bruises and cuts covered my mother's hands..
My father's strength- I couldn't understand..
At the end of the day I'd smile with rice and pickle..
With her tales and talks, my granny would tickle..

I slept to a tune my mother would sing..
Far away from all the worldly bling..
I had no fear, I had no worry..
Since the world to me, still looked blurry..

Today as I walk in a designer blazer..
People applaud for the chief fundraiser..
They pat my back and sing praises for me..
In my mind I still hunt for an ounce of glee..

As I walked past the same thin corridor..
I saw kids wear rags that I once wore..
I saw my the struggle in peoples' eyes..
The similar pain I'd seen behind my mother's eyes..

I then knew to be happy again..
I got rid of my irrational pain..
The struggle with which I was groomed..
A LOTUS had finally bloomed..