Home » Poems » Gershon Wolf » Merry Christmas To All Beggars

Merry Christmas To All Beggars

A beggar sits, hugs the shadows, barely sees Crowded downtown, busy shoppers stream by Ill-clothed, nearly deaf, double amputee He's just hoping you'll be friendly, say 'Hi' In his can, a couple coins, not enough to feed him You think of adding a dollar or two Better not, times are tough, pickings slim Who knows? You boss may just terminate you So you pass him, but he greets you and your heart stops Says, "Why, Johnny Olsen, how do you do?" You move faster, far away now, by a sweet-shop Your breathing's uneven, you feel quite blue You buy him coffee and a sweet roll and a cupcake He remembered you, and it makes your heart ache When you bring him the treats and the coffee You say, "Michael Davies, thanks for noticing me..." Merry Christmas to all beggars and their patrons May they revel in each other's company May the blessing of their friendship be Heaven-run May they reap ample bounty for all Eternity

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/30/2019 12:13:00 PM

This is exactly the way the thought process works for me: " You think of adding a dollar or two Better not, times are tough, pickings slim Who knows? You boss may just terminate you" Nicely built.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/30/2019 6:21:00 PM

You're right. One the thought process sets in, it's easy to close one's hand. ~ gw

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 6/29/2019 3:30:00 PM

A lovely holiday fable, for any time of the year, so gentle and giving.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/29/2019 10:36:00 PM

Michelle, you are too kind here. Hope it serves as a kind of 'Christmas in July' reminder about the duty of all of us to give, for all we have is each other. :) gw

David Mchattie

Date: 6/28/2019 9:52:00 PM

Another great poem on one of life's great tragedies. How governments continue to ignore it is a wonder. So much money is spent on other countries? A person from another country who is sick can come to America and receive healthcare but the homeless are left to suffer. It pales the imagination. Have a great day my friend.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/29/2019 10:35:00 PM

Thank you for offering such a unique perspective on charity, David, and great to hear from you. I've missed reading your epic narratives lately. Warm wishes, Gershon

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 6/28/2019 2:34:00 PM

Hello Gershon Wolf, a lovely tribute to the beggars. Love this poem. have a nice day my friend.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/28/2019 4:18:00 PM

Thank you so much for your positive feedback on this poem, Darlene! :) gw

Kurt Ravidas

Date: 6/28/2019 12:56:00 PM

Stop making me think, you bloody poet! I don't need it. Like Russians say: "I'd rather a horse think: its head is bigger than mine") P.S.: This poem reminds me of the pretty heated discussion I witnessed in one specialized institution. It was about Dana Sutta, alms, handouts, consequences of mercy etc. Lemmi ask you a question, my brother in good things. Let's say, you give money to a beggar. He buys a booze, gets drunk and, being under the influence, kills a couple of bystanders. The question is whether you share his blame as an indirect cause of all this shiet?

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/28/2019 3:35:00 PM

Clarity in Charity, my friend. Keep it simple. You give X dollars from the goodness of your heart to a beggar. He takes the money, buys a weapon, and kills 2 people. He's 100% responsible. You are 0% responsible. Next case... (For more, try soup mail).