Two Parts of a Whole

Through the MFI Management Study, I have had the opportunity to visit MFI branch in both rural and urban settings. The piece below was inspired during client group meetings visits in Maharashtra.

Two Parts of a Whole

Surabhi Agrawal

Yesterday I walked with peacocks and buffalos

Today I walk with decaying paper and crushed plastic bottles

Yesterday I sat under the seething sun slightly covered by the shade of the peepal tree

Today I sit under a creaking fan where the paint-color stuck against my back as I leaned against the powdered wall

Yesterday I smelled the cow-dung compacted together to dry to make the walls of the houses

Today I smell the scent of burning metal, used to hold together the roof of the houses

Yesterday the children climbed into their mothers laps seeking the milk of life before their afternoon nap

Today the children rush between the maze of houses that are stacked on-top of each other searching

for their mothers

Yesterday I saw the men sitting and puffing smoke.

Today I see the men sitting and puffing smoke.

Yesterday the women needed money.

Today the women need money.

For themselves

To provide for their families

To build their houses

To sustain their communities

Or maybe

For their dreams

Village-life

Slum-life

Two parts of a whole