The half-naked street children
Were totally awe-struck as they
Watched the bride-groom
Mount a gaily caparisoned pachyderm
Right in the middle of the city
A brightly coloured sunshade
Was also part of the paraphernalia
Along with the procession of friends
And close relatives who followed
Dressed in their wedding finery
Carrying trays of sweets and gifts
It was the usual ostentatious ceremony
Totally in keeping with the tradition
Of the big fat local Wedding

At the time I stood by and wondered
What went on in the minds
Of the poor children and of course
The other ordinary passers by
Was it one of disgust or resentment
How could any human being irrespective
Of his social status or his power
Tout his wealth with such gay abandon
When the millions of less fortunate citizens
Know not where their next meal is coming from

Sandra Martyres

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-big-fat-wedding/