No time for laughter

Childish glee

Must seek work

Before they are ready

All under ten

Crouched over machines

Dressed in cast off rags

Denied childhood dreams

Tiny fingers sew garments

Wealthy strangers will wear

Muted light on focused faces

Camouflages despair

Pittance per piece

Each coin needed at home

Younger siblings to feed

Life monochrome

Every day the same

Soulless existence 

All they know, expect

Basic subsistence

By Margaret Karim

From: United Kingdom