But Why, Then? — Abnish Singh Chauhan

You can generate energy
from E-waste,
fill a trench with concrete,
build bridges
across distant mountains
using steel beams,
and even redirect
the course of a river,
by constructing dams.

But why,
then, can you not
give them their rights,
their dues—
those who pick sweepings,
who wander
from street to street,
day and night?

But why,
then, can you not restore
the love and dignity
they deserve,
the identity you deny them,
when you measure them
by the standards of
prosperity, position, and power?

***