Remember us everyday

My dreams? Don't  matter.

My childhood? They could've been better.

I left my school long back,

Nowadays I carry a sack.

Our world is entirely different; every day wages we get are only worth for some bread. Like me, there are many more. 

Our stories are similar, but nothing matters.

Some are forced into this world, while others work because of cruel faith.

No one here is above eighteen.

Everyday, we work harder and harder, probably thinking today, it will end 

but there is no improvement.

We aren't allowed to dream because we hardly sleep. The toys made by us are sold on high rates and that is  why, when it's finished we aren't allowed to touch them.

You can see some of us standing near the traffic signal selling flowers for your dates but you refuse to buy them from us.

The books we sell may be useful for other kids but for us, it's a way to earn bread for our family.

The houses are big where we work but they have no feelings for us. We get to eat all the left overs and only a floor to sleep.

We treat them like our family but they treat us like a donkey. When we see their kids' books, they laugh and say, "These aren't for you 

so don't touch."

Most of the time they watch us using cameras or monitors. Some of us work in clothes factories,

where clothes are stitched. Everything we make gets exported but if so, why don't we have good clothes to wear. 

Some feel pity, some feel pain but only a few come forward to hold our hands.

You can find us around the world but there are only few who care about children like us.

Today is World Day against child labour. I hope it was celebrated everyday. All we need is a good life and we wish someone would help us find our childhood where children like us would enjoy.

written by Shaheen Sayyed

shahin_sayyed@yahoo.com