The Ingredients to Happiness

The dish of your life is delicious without any doubt

Came across a beggar on the road today,

Gave her some change from my pocket to help in my own way.

Torn clothes, unkempt hair, a hungry stomach, and eyes full of despair,

Realized how fortunate I was to have everything, for most of which I didn’t even care.

The electricity got cut off that day for an hour,

The lack of ACs, TV, phones, and the internet made us all sour.

It came back on in some time, but there was still darkness in the slum behind,

Even without such luxuries, we can survive this did remind.

Maid’s child as he was, he didn’t get what came easily to most

No education, used clothes, and a struggle to earn the daily toast;

Businessman’s child, on the other hand, had more than required,

Still, he grumbled and threw tantrums saying he never got what he desired.

Aren’t we losing sight of our happiness guide?

The essential ingredients to which we are pushing aside;

Food, shelter, and clothing are the only things we need to survive,

But millions, unlike you and me, to get even this, must strive.

If you have a house, food, family, and people you care about

The dish of your life is delicious without any doubt;

The other things may bring you temporary delight,

But the next time you complain, think of the less fortunate and their struggle and plight.

Note: The above poem is an excerpt from my debut poetry book A Rustic Mind.