The poor have longing only God can feel
The destitute have tears only God will see
Impoverished have sighs God does hear
God in poor form came to us dear and near
Bethlehem’s stable where Oxen drool
Clostridium tetani in ass dung crawl
Straw for manger no blue cot draping
Ample samples of animal dropping
Carpenter’s son the educated offended
How can He speak well on text so sacred
Poor man made the rich fisherman’s boat
Joseph and Jesus calloused hands wrought
Begging I see feet by the busy roadside
Rich are on wheels the poor come aside
Diverse slippers old, torn seldom new
Those who stop to help are a rare few
Shoes are my earnings cobbler by trade
No one’s dirt too much shoes are made
Road my friend brother gives me shade
I’m scared how to stitch, eyesight fade
I have four children doing quite well
Their spouse will not have me to dwell
I have no pension at the market I plead
Lunch packet a day from your kind deed
Road the friend of the poor I earn my buck
Rummaging collecting sellables from muck
In pride I ride My old cart, my Benz truck
I give way to none, as daily I try my luck
Darius and Lazarus may have been classmates
Lazarus now looks for food at other’s gates
Dogs help clean his wound bloody bound
Yet his mansion eternal is already found
Poor in spirit take the riches of heaven
Let not your wealth be in you as leaven
Store up treasure where moth can’t eat
Rust corrupt not and thieves can’t steal
Wealth becomes a castle that separates
Treasure multiplies hurts, horror & hates
None are so poor as those who’ve no love
to spend
- Dr Lalith Mendis