CHARITY

We brag about how proud we are
Of our great gifts to charity.
But really, should we take such pride
In this state of humanity?

The poor are not a second class.
It isn't what they want to be.
They're poor because they cannot climb
Our vertical economy.

No one should have to beg for health.
We have responsibility;
But for ill health beyond control
The stricken should not pay a fee.

It should be free to reach out to
The bounds of our capacity.
To leave out those who can not pay
Diminishes society.

What sense is there in having more?
We know it doesn't make us free
For more will never be enough.
What good is this disparity?

The reason we should not feel pride
In charity philosophy
Is numbers of unfortunate
Reveal our inhumanity.

Comments

[hanan abdi]

lovely,amazing & brilliant

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Thanks for commenting. Doug.E.Barr

[Nancy]

My prayer each day is to remember to reach out to as many people as possible.To have a positive impact on their day.If nothing more than to receive a smile from them and hope they pay it forward.There are many little charitable acts that should be given freely.This is beautiful .We all need to realize we have everything we need and we have so very much to give.

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My prayer is that "charity" will fade out of existence with the perceived need to have more than others. Doug.E.Barr

[Julie]

I was asked to find a poem that really meant something to me to share with my speech class. I scoured the web reading numerous bits of fluff. When I came across your poem 'Charity" I knew my search was over. Your work made really hit a chord within my heart. I have read "Charity" several times each reading brings tears to my eyes. Beautiful ! May I share this with my class? Thank You for your wonderful poem.

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Thank you for asking and separating my poem from "numerous bits of fluff". Of course you can share my poem with your class. Please be sure to tell them where you found it. Perhaps one of your classmates will find a poem that they like. That would be helpful. Doug.E.Barr

[Carly]

Dear Mr. Barr,
You're poem was impassioned and good. But I disagreed with a few points, which are as follows:
First, it's true that daily life is a trial and struggle for the stricken and impoverished. It is also true that those with greater opportunity have a responsibility to help those with less. But why is charity being viewed as 'a perceived need to have more than others'? It's so much more than that! Charity, at its heart, is goodness.
Secondly, I don't think that the numbers of unfortunate reveal our inhumanity. Everyone is born in different circumstances, with some a lot worse off than others. But at the same time, everyone has agency, and should NOT rely upon society. Taking from them their ability to work and improve themselves by themselves is something that will definitely diminish a society.