(PHOTO CREDIT: DALE ROGERSON)
“Mum, why can’t I have just one of them hanging umbrellas, even the smallest one will do”, intoned little Amish tugging at the edge of his mother’s saree.
“No my love, they are not for sale and even if they were, we cannot afford them”, said the 28-year-old Varsha, a daily wage worker employed in a nearby construction conglomerate.
“But there are only 3 of them and 10 umbrellas” Amish screamed. “We need one to keep the rain away. What do they need it for?” Tears flowed down his emaciated cheeks.
“To shield them from the light” said Varsha.
(WORD COUNT: 99)
This story was written as part of the FRIDAY FICTIONEERS challenge, more about which may be found HERE
For the complete list of entries, please click HERE
The credit for the breathtaking photograph goes to Dale Rogerson
23 comments
Nice contrast between the Haves and Have Nots.
The life of the poor is desperately hard, and you show it well. That’s a killer last line, Venkyninja.
Thank you so very much!
Regards
Venky
Dear Venky,
It would be hard to explain this to a small child. I like Varsha’s creative explanation.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Indeed dear Rochelle. There are unfortunately a plethora of Varshas in a world rife with income and wealth inequalities. Hope things change for the good and swiftly!
Regards
Venky
I think this is the first of life’s hard lessons…
Wonderful contrasts.
Thanks Much!
My heart goes out to little Amish. The answer given by Varsha would not satisfy his innocent mind.
https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2018/09/low-spirits.html
Yes. Harsh lessons of life.
Learning how the world works is no easy task…
Very true.
The last sentence was good, I read it as the wealthy being blind to the poor.
Thanks Much! I wrote with the same interpretation in mind.
Ah, you set that up perfectly. We take a lot for granted, don’t we?
Unfortunately, we do yes. And it is time to change that in thought, word and deed!
Varshna may be poor in money,but she is rich in wisdom. I can hear Amish’s petulant “what do they need them for?” As if need were the determining factor.
I couldn’t agree with you more! Thank you so much for the comments.
Varsha may not have the wealth but she sure has wisdom. That last sentence has so many layers of meaning to it. Nice one.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Yes unfortunately this is the plight that plagues millions of Varshas unbeknownst to the ones wallowing in wealth and luxury.
Yes I know, that’s what happens when you employ vampire workers.
I think you captured the moment when childish innocence begins to yield to reality. Nicely done.
Thank you so much! I only hope that the time does not come when Amish has to offer a similar explanation to his own children!