Date:27/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/27/stories/2004092706750400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Kalam's poem for the heart

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, SEP 26. The President, A.P.J Abdul Kalam, has penned a short, two-stanza poem "Healing the Little Hearts" to mark World Heart Day today. The poem reflects his anguish and love for children suffering from heart ailments and lauds the efforts of doctors and caregivers.

The theme of the World Heart Day this year is "Children, adolescents and heart disease."

A copy of the poem written by Dr. Kalam was made available to The Hindu on Sunday:

Healing the Little Hearts

Pain in the heart and pearls in the eyelids,

Cry of the kids is a soul-wrenching scene.

Care for the elders all over the place,

Yet congenital heartache and continuous shortage.

Who will care for us and render us peace?

For the cry of the poor, God only delivers?

At dawn of a sound like a bell from the church

A group of noble souls garner in action.

Caring for little hearts for healing the pain,

Noble action from big hearts of God's creation

Nobler action of healing brings all around praise

Almighty extends his gracious bless.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

26 September, 2004