By Dr. Archan Mehta
Poem: Bombay Slum
Once upon a time, I dare say, an angel
Visited me. However, I observed that there
Was an infinite sadness in her eyes. I felt
Confused: should I respond or react? And
So I asked, gently and politely: Angel, you
Look troubled. Why so? The angel replied:
Well, I am an angel of mercy. Therefore, I
Visited Dharavi in Mumbai, India, and I
Learned that it was one of the largest slums
In the world. There, I experienced death and
Destruction. I was surprised that nobody was
Prepared to help the dead and dying. And
That is why I started crying. A moment
Later, I too started crying with this angel,
But my tears were not enough. Together,
We prayed to our good and dear Lord
To help the wretched of our Earth.
The poor and needy deserved
To survive and live out their
Natural lives. Only a higher
Power could attend to their
Screams, shouts and sighs.
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Dr. Archan Mehta has earned a PhD. in Management. Currently, Dr. Mehta is a Freelance Writer and Consultant based in India. Over the years, Dr. Mehta’s creative work has been featured in numerous publications in India, U.K., USA, South Africa and the Middle East. In his free time, Dr. Mehta likes to stroll in the outdoors, party with close friends, listen to music and stay on top of current events. Dr. Mehta is also fond of meditation. Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Mehta at