Ode to a Street Sweeper

It was pouring outside when I woke up at 6 AM this morning. In the gloomy darkness of my room, I could hear faint sounds of broom sweeping outside. It was our city street sweeper Ramesh. He was sweeping the streets even in the midst of this pouring rain! I was shocked! Then it came to me. Ramesh has been sweeping the streets since...well, before I can remember. He had been sweeping the streets waaaay back when I was still a little girl. I was told that Ramesh had been doing this job for a very long time. Rain or shine, he did his job everyday, at the crack of dawn, sweeping the streets.

I recall a New Years morning when everyone was just walking out of the clubs after a night of crazy celebration and Ramesh was out there cleaning up the mess from the night before. We hadn't even slept yet and he was already doing his job. Sure, the streets were littered with ash and paper and remnants of firecrackers when the city residents used to greet the New Year, but instead of taking time to rest, Ramesh was sweeping the streets, even if it was a holiday. I guess he didn't have holidays or he chose to sweep the streets in the morning and rest after. Now that is what service is all about. He is only paid a few dollars a month for his early morning excursion but that doesn't seem to deter him in his quest to clean up our streets.

I usually leave my house at around 7.30 AM and see that our street is spotless. At first, I didn't think about it until I realized how one person has been cleaning up after us every morning. It's a shame, really, when I see people on cars or motorbikes, throw their trash on the street as they pass by. Unknowingly, it seems that they have tarnished Ramesh's pride and joy. Even with all the education in the world, we have no idea about how to keep our city clean. Countless times, I have seen luxuriously overweight Fijians waddle off to the closest garbage bin, only to keep stuffing it when it's already full to the brim. The next bin is a short walk away but of course, they won't dare break a sweat. The fat of the land going about their business yet not one person stops to ponder about Ramesh and the great job he is doing cleaning up after you. Not a thank you, not a smile. We avoid them like the plague and preach about the morality of others. 

It breaks my heart to see people like Ramesh struggle to survive. All he had on was a light jacket to save him from the elements. No gum boots in sight but a well-worn pair of flip flops to carry him through the day. With the little money they make, our street sweepers are helping pave the way for a brighter future for our children, one that is cleaner and safer. When darkness falls, we're safe in our homes while Ramesh is out there preparing for a new day for the city. I am ashamed of humanity. We are whats wrong with society. The evils out there started within us and we lay blame on others. 

Next time you throw your trash anywhere, be sure to remember the Ramesh's out there who are keeping your streets clean. They may have one of the lowliest jobs on earth but at least they are doing their part to save it. They are making a difference. Thank you Ramesh!