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From Rags To Riches

A pauper begs at the town gate
and sets, each day, a date with fate.
He harbours dreams where riches flow
but morning finds him on skid row.

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Killing With an Epigram Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Margarita Lillico
    Placed 2nd
28th April, 2022

desirepovertyrhyme

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Malabika Ray Choudhury

May 29, 2022 at 3:57 PM

Congratulations, Paul, on your win with such a sad, but powerful poem. Keep writing on such social issues to create awareness, Dear Poet - your pen is gifted!

Paul Callus

July 29, 2022 at 3:02 AM

Thank you for stopping by with such encouraging words dear Mala. Let me excuse myself for such a late reply; lack of notifications often lets me down! ~ May I wish you a lovely weekend. // paul

Gary Radice

May 9, 2022 at 1:30 AM

An excellent poem that's both sad and poignant Paul, about one of life's major social issues. It's all made worse - particularly here in the UK - when you read that "Hundreds of homeless people are being told by councils to sleep on the streets first if they want housing help under opaque government rules." I have no words. Cheers - Gary

Paul Callus

May 13, 2022 at 12:40 PM

Thank you for the insightful comments, Gary. Unfortunately, I fear that the homeless problem is here to stay :( Regards // paul

Aurore Severo

May 7, 2022 at 5:56 PM

Hi Paul, great poem, it sure makes one appreciate what what we have in life. xoxoxo

Paul Callus

May 13, 2022 at 12:27 PM

Hi Aurore! It's a pleasure to have you stopping by, and even more to see you posting again! By the way, presently listening to Taylor Momsen and The Pretty Reckless. Regards xox paul

Jennifer Proxenos

May 5, 2022 at 1:22 PM

Hi Paul,I often wonder what triggers a person to land up in the streets begging. Some don't have the tenacity to play life's game, their dreams of riches and of fame, will only bring them shame, never worked an honest day, have only themselves to blame. Foresee a win my friend. Hugs, warm regards and blessings., Jennifer.

Paul Callus

May 7, 2022 at 1:08 AM

Thank you for the lovely feedback in rhyme, Jenny...and for having faith in my entry. ~ Warm regards & Hugs, my friend. // paul

Alexis Y.

May 2, 2022 at 8:02 PM

Hi Paul, You composed a well-written poem on such a touchy subject. It breaks my heart to see folk down on their luck this. Best wishes in the contest. Have a good evening-Alexis

Paul Callus

May 5, 2022 at 9:01 AM

Thank you for your feedback and best wishes, Alexis. I hope you are keeping well, my friend. ~ Warm regards // paul

Sara Kendrick

May 2, 2022 at 6:14 AM

Reads like a good contender in the contest. Way to go. I enjoyed reading this contest entry. Your visit to my page was delightful. Sara

Paul Callus

May 5, 2022 at 8:44 AM

Thank you, Sara. Always a pleasure to receive your visits. Regards // paul

Valsa George

May 1, 2022 at 10:38 PM

So sad is their fate ! Dreams are their only assets . Though never realized, let them at least enjoy the luxury of dreaming of affluent times... A touching and powerful write, Paul !

Paul Callus

May 2, 2022 at 5:48 AM

Thank you for reading and liking, Valsa. Your feedback is appreciated. Regards // paul

Judy Ball

May 1, 2022 at 6:35 PM

It's so sad to see these homeless people begging for pennies and scraps. We should try to help in any way we can. Great stuff. God Bless, JB

Paul Callus

May 2, 2022 at 5:46 AM

I agree with you, Judy; helping those in need, even if in a small way, could make their life better. Thank you for your lovely visit and comments. Blessings // paul

Anil Deo

May 1, 2022 at 9:56 AM

Well crafted, Paul. I'm also thankful he has zest to dream. Shalom shalom & thanX for your Comment

Paul Callus

May 1, 2022 at 2:08 PM

Thank you, Anil. Dreams keep us going; without them life could easily lose its shine and become monotonous. ~ Best regards & peace // paul

Susan Lawrence

April 29, 2022 at 9:34 AM

Paul my friend , So well expressed . I love He harbours dreams where riches flow . It is a sad reality for many … life on the streets . Hugs, Susan :)

Paul Callus

April 30, 2022 at 10:29 AM

Thank you, Susan. One summer, when I was young, I slept on the streets for a week, when I was abroad on holiday and did not have enough money. I can't imagine myself doing that for a long time!! ~ Hugs // paul

Michael Tor

April 29, 2022 at 12:10 AM

Sometimes Paul all you have is a dream and nothing monetary. Hope you are well. God bless...

Paul Callus

April 30, 2022 at 10:02 AM

Life owes a lot to dreams, Michael. Money is important, but not to a point that one becomes a slave to it. ~ Best regards, my friend. // paul

Panagiota Romios

April 28, 2022 at 1:14 PM

Great epigram, Paul here in California, stealing is allowed. Poor? Not here! The gov, ie, us, pay for food, schooling and housing, medical care. They choose to live in tents, even though they have housing money. Free cell phones also. The Skid Rows I know were in 1950. Nobody need to go hungry in the USA. They also have like a credit card for food. Worse, freeloaders create an illnesss to qualify for benefits. Stealing from our Gov is a hobby here. That is immoral. Pangie

Paul Callus

April 30, 2022 at 5:12 AM

Thank you for stopping by, Pangie. I'm afraid that nowadays, freeloaders are to be found everywhere! Social benefits are blatantly abused. ~ Have a nice weekend, my friend. // paul