Green Light

National Catholic Reporter, June 2, 2000 by Charlie Law

   (While impatiently waiting at a red light)

   Today,
   the last day
   of the year,
   while crossing
   the multi-thoroughfares
   of New Delhi -- in a mini-taxi,
   to save money -- I met
   a beggar woman
   and her unseen child
   wrapped at her
   breast
   under a dirty shawl.

   She begged
   incessantly
   while we stopped
   at a red light
   caught in a maze
   of a thousand
   modern vehicles
   returning
   contented passengers
   from the New Year's
   holiday outings.
   I didn't give anything,
   out of principle,
   surely I am the principal.
   Welcoming
   the onward beckoning
   green light.

   Mother Mary,
   does she
   with her baby
   this winter night
   welcome the New Year?

--Fr. Charlie Law Kathmandu, Nepal