##32 (Vivekananda) Sympathy For Untouchables

At Rajputana, in a religious meet Swamiji came to participate, But none cared for his rest, Or for his food at least. A poor low caste man Gave him with hesitation Some uncooked food As cooked one was prohibited. As he was an untouchable, The high class people, Kept him at a distance In all the functions. Taking pity on him, Swamiji then told him “Bring your cooked food, For me, it’s good.” On seeing his kindness, The poor man shed tears, And gave him cooked meal, That, in fact, tasted well Swamiji felt, “The poor people Who’re so good and simple, Live in huts as untouchables. And such people, we despise.” For many days, with no food, At some places, he remained. He stayed then with sweepers Who were treated as outcastes. They were very simple, As well as more humble, And possessed many virtues Of true spiritual values. Many times, Swamiji wept. “Why such men are kept At the feet of our society Without any kind of mercy? ” For them, Swamiji prayed, Wherever he had stayed, For their speedy deliverance From this unpardonable injustice.