The dew of Kindness !

The morning sight of the dew covered flowers gave our garden a splendid look till the end of February. 

The appearance of the flowers now, as seen in the photographs below, is different. Although summer has set in, and there is no more dew,  the lilies look fresh and colourful. 

I noticed a Kingfisher returning to the cable with a grass hopper in its mouth. That is when I remembered that the stream below us is with scanty water with only occasional movement of fish, since summer has set in. The Kingfisher has to look for an alternative to its first choice of feed. 

The nutmeg trees in our garden need to be irrigated on alternate days, due to the soaring day temperature, which makes the soil dry. 

It was common to watch cows and goats grazing in the field during the day, which too is not in sight due to the heat of the day. Also the grass on the ground has withered. 

When a technician came to service the air conditioner in our home last week, his remark interested me. He was without much work during the winter months and had to borrow money to look after his family. Since February, he is working about 18 hours a day. He mentioned that he would earn enough during the next three months before monsoon sets in.  He would have enough savings for the rest of the year. 

Listening to that narration brought an awareness about the struggles that can harass people to find their livelihood. For that technician, there is no social security, health care protection or family pension. He is dependent on his daily labour for his income. 

It is a disturbing to think that,  there is no assurance of social security for people who are self-employed. They cease to earn, when they stop working, or when they are no more able to work.  

The Kingfisher finds at least grass hopper when it cannot find fish in the stream. 

For a person who is unable to work due to illness or old age, he or she is left abandoned to fend for oneself! Even adult children do not take enough note of such people. 

I wonder if the Churches, which spend large amount of money to celebrate festivals, would be austere and allocate a portion of its income to give to those in its neighbourhood, who live reduced and marginalised lives!

They deserve the dew of kindness because they served us with their labour and service! 

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)