It was the Mumbai Street Children's
Talent scouting evening out
We gave them a canvas,
An easel and a box of paints
Told them not to exercise
Any restraint
The picture was theirs to paint
Hectic activity followed
Vibrant colours were mixed
In the palettes before the brushes
Went into use
Some went for bold strokes
Others used pastels and
And went for milder strokes
We watched the transformation
Blank canvases soon took colour
The pictures ranged from
Sunny skies and butterflies
To moonlit nights and fireflies
Some did give nature a pass
And opted to paint the school class
After working for an hour and half
The pictures were ready for display
The children proudly handed in
Their very own works of art
And anxiously awaited
As the judges went on stage
To review the paintings and
Make their choices known
For the young artists
It was a defining moment
As they waited for the results
Three of them would be selected
To represent Street Children's Block
At the Inter-school competition
This would help them pay
For their further education
Without having to rely on families
Already suffering deep deprivation
The prizes went to the three best
Original paintings and for the rest
We have made it our life’s mission
To try and find for them admission
Seeking corporate sponsorships
And wherever possible even scholarships
So that they can realise their dreams
Without making any parents scream.
Sandra Martyres
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/street-children-s-painting-dream/
