Half ripe, hued green, tempting
with a youthful tinge
on their cheeks
the beautiful guavas were on display
in a basket placed in front, for sale
40 rupees a kilogram was an attractive price
for people with money
in their purse
and they were selling like hot cakes!
Just beside the legs of the fruit seller
There was a plastic bag full of guavas?
‘Why are keeping them aside?’ asked I
They’re rejected, so kept underneath!
I inspected the guavas turning them about
Some of them had injury marks
Some had lost a wee piece somewhere
In the bump and bang of the transport
Some were just ripe and yellow
Otherwise, they were good for customers
Like me, who live without luxuries of life
That can only be bought with a fat purse!
And they were not less nourishing
Not less tasty or not less satisfying!
Rejected fruit and wasted food
They can fill many empty stomachs
Rejected blankets can embrace with warmth
The shivering humans in winter
Rejected dresses can cover many naked
Rejected hearts, rejected minds and hands
can quench the thirst
of thousands
Like little rivers unnoticed by high dam builders
For producing electricity and canals
In God’s creation, nothing is waste
Nothing is rejected by Him
Except sin, lies, dishonesty and pride
Everything is good, beautiful and perfect!
Xavier Bage
Thurs, 02 March, 2017
