PART OF EXPLOITATION

POEM

When I was told not to

be talkative or garrulous,

I followed his words.

When I was ordered to

go out and canvas as many

customers as possible

I couldn’t follow his

words but gave me

two to three days to

canvas customers.

I, like the order on

day one, couldn’t follow

his orders under the

summer sun, on days two

and three and I returned

empty-handed.

A visibly angry

manager asked me to

get out and get lost.

I glanced at him with

pity followed by a broad smile

‘Thank you sir

you will be remembered

in the years to come

and if possible come out

from your revolving chair

and roam thru the

streets and canvas customers.

The replies will be

music to your ears……’

I stormed out of the door

with as much speed as possible

walked down the

streets and reached my house.

‘Why are you, early

today’ – father

and mother frowned at me.

‘I am not fit for begging.

Don’t ask me

anything more please.’

And  I entered my room

threw myself on the bed

with my eyes moist……