life of young vagabond [English+Original Khmer version]

THE STUNG MEANCHEY GARBAGE DUMP. 
There are a large numbers of children working in the garbage dump in a suburb of Phnom Penh. 

At the end of the day after their labours, there were boys sharing one popsicle out of the one-day's pay. 

one for you, one for me.....

life of young vagabond
 

Street children have no tomorrows
Only  hardships are piled upon like a mountain
Exposed to storms and rain
Even when they are struck by lightnings and thunders
They are always lonely.

Gathering garbage they have cast away their prides
This life with only hardships 
Even when they have to beg something 
They are refused.
For this unrightful life 
Who is to blame?

Because of a great hungry
They cannot overcome poverty
Sometimes they eat porrige
Sometimes they swallow tears
On a dark night shelterig under the eaves
Closing their eyes they feel sad.

Oh, street children
Deceived and living like rubbish! 
Menaced by wicked adults
They have to live.
Drugged and tempted to steal
But even if they obey them to steal
They are beaten.

For children on the street
Will salvation come someday?
Grown-ups with good hearts
Please think of me!
I am living at the bottom of the society
Committing myself to it. 
 
 

khmer version

click to enlarge khmer version poetry...



 
  

photo/text
youme.
khmer poetry
Kok Ros
english translation
Noriko Mizusaki

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