The Little Beggar

Today was like everyday
As my rickshaw drew to a stop
Along came that little beggar
With a skip and a hop

Putting his palm forward
He begged for some money
I said I had some, but
For him not any

He pursued,
Blocking my way
What I felt in my heart
I had to say

My dear beggar,
Why don't you go to school?
He looked at me
As if I were a fool

He smiled
And moved on
Went on to beg,
His hopeful eyes still shone

I knew not his joy
Nor did I know his strife
But this I knew that he was
A graduate in the school of life.

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