Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Those who are rich


Those who are rich,

(we’re talking material

comforts and possessions here);

those who are rich are much practised

in the fine art of self-justification.

We are commendable and deserving,

and have every right to enjoy

our purple lifestyle.

We have worked hard,

we have invested wisely,

prudently, and with consideration

of future contingencies. Charity,

it is often conveniently said,

begins at home.

The poor, on the other hand,

are wasteful, indolent, and lacking

the diligence to avail themselves

of the myriad opportunities

that surround. If they bothered

to open their eyes they probably

would not recognise Hard Work

if it leapt up and danced a jig before them.

And so we learn to guard our surplus,

convincing ourselves that our caution

is necessary to preserve the dignity

of the poor and struggling.

So we walk unblinkingly past Lazarus,

the other beggars and the charity-rattlers;

consciously distracted, intent

upon our many worthy preoccupations,

and quietly uttering words of gratitude

for our numerous blessings.



© 2010 Ken Rookes

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