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Commercial Beggers

They plead with us
manipulating
pain and hunger
between the segments
of broken merriment.
Beggars
paid big bucks
to raise funds
tearing at the tender
underbellies
tormenting the scorched souls
of the old and lonely.
Chastising us
in voices muted
by soft music
intimating that we
are all that is needed
to suture the wounds
of the world.

John G. Lawless
20/30/2020

Copyright © John Lawless | Year Posted 2020

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Regina Mcintosh Date: 1/2/2021 4:49:00 PM I yearn to give more.... more than I can afford, but like others are saying, I wonder how much actually makes it to the one in need and also, when I've given to beggars, how much actually goes to what they truly need. Nice thoughtful write. God B L E S S you always Login to Reply

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/1/2021 7:43:00 AM Sometimes when I give money to beggars, I already know it won't be used for food. Still, seeing hungry people saddens me and makes me realize how lucky I am to have enough -- sometimes more than enough -- to eat. News reports say there are 54 million Americans who don't have enough to eat. That's about one-seventh of all Americans. So sad. Beautifully written and touching poem. Hugs, Carolyn Login to Reply

Constance La France Date: 1/1/2021 5:20:00 AM John, great write, well done. I agree, we are bombarded with emotional pleas for help, sweet children with tears, starving people, uneducated children, orphans and we can save them all with a monthly donation, and I cannot help think how much goes to the actual cause, even local charities I question, except The Salvation Army, they do truly help people, and the Humane Society they truly help the animals _Constance Login to Reply

David Walker Date: 12/31/2020 4:31:00 AM Well done, John. Every time I see one of those commercials for abused dogs and Hungry and abandoned Jews I want to screen at my BIG SCREEN.. I CANNOT SAVE THE WORLD! And then the reporter in me takes over, asking "Just how much of the donation actually gets to victims? Are We the Victims? Login to Reply

David Kavanagh Date: 12/30/2020 1:33:00 PM Good man John, I’ve had this conversation with people of the same mindset, about 90% of the charity goes on administration, wages expenses etc, I don’t want to see people suffer, believe me, but their being exploited by these so called charities, great writing no messing around straight to the point, cheers David Login to Reply

Jan Allison Date: 12/30/2020 12:33:00 PM oh you said it so perfectly John these commericals must cost thousands to make and the 'fund raiser' paid huge salaries the adverts/ fliers of course they pictures such emotive language donate just £2 a month. And sadly a lot of the money raised never gets seen by those in need, just lines the pockets of the fat cats:-( hugs jan xx Login to Reply