Honesty Shines Bright...

by Dr. Kumarendra Mallick

Under the secure bridge
in the city of Kansas in Missouri
lived Billy Ray Harris –
A homeless,
but not a heartless man was he.

On a fair day
when the sun shone bright,
Sarah, a wealthy lady of the same city,
took pity and made her purse empty
into Billy’s collection cup;
there was no shade of pride or sorrow,
neither any afterthought or hiccup.

But the next day
for a party when Sarah was dressing up,
something she discovered
was missing from her jewelry box.

‘Curse me’, said she,
‘where is my diamond ring?
Did I empty it into Harry’s cup?’

She rushed back to the old bridge
where Harris was quietly asleep
to ask, ‘Dear man, did I empty into your cup
something precious by mistake?’

‘Dear good lady! You did,
you mean the diamond ring!
Here it is, it is yours and not mine’,
said the homeless with a genial smile.

Deeply touched by this honest gesture,
Sarah and her husband created
for Harris an on-line site:
donations and praise have poured in
from across the world to a bewildered Billy…

Honesty has no price tag,
its banner flies above every other flag!

(Based on a report in Times of India, Feb 25, 2013)

28-Feb-2013

More By : Dr. Kumarendra Mallick

Views: 2113 Comments: 6

Comments on this Poem

The story is heart touching, Rupradha. We find many such noble people in our society. We simply do not take notice of them. Thank you for your appreciation.

kumarendramallick
02-Mar-2013 07:14 AM

This is amazing!! You have done a great job by throwing light on the honest man!!

Rupradha
02-Mar-2013 00:43 AM

Thank you, Sarbaaniranjan babu for your appreciation. Good men and honent man are often silent, but the earth survives because of their silent contribution!

kumarendramallick
01-Mar-2013 23:05 PM

I like this Dr. Mallik. I did not see this report. I am touched. What Internet can achieve is also exemplified by this story. I like the poem. It is a meaningful poem. I congratulate you.

sharbaaniranjankundu
01-Mar-2013 12:16 PM

Thank you, Madhavi. Yes, we need to bring our hands together to clap for any honest act! Happy 'Smile Day' to you, dar friend.

kumarendramallick
01-Mar-2013 10:39 AM

A nice tribute to the honest man.

Madhavi
01-Mar-2013 06:51 AM