HAPLESS

A lonely lady in the street
quietly sitting in a corner
did I hear a whimper?

I see her from a distance
with little apprehension
her face bereft of any expression

Clothes so tattered, barely there
the baby she cradles is not crying
wonder if it’s alive or dying!

I go near with a gleam of hope
close to her bosom the baby she holds
spellbound spectator in me beholds

Is she crying or the tears have dried?
or a hapless beggar in bereavement!
am I the reason for her predicament?

Image courtesy- mother and baby by drawingandillusion.blogspot.com