Preterition Or Lack of Charity

(Preterition = the act of passing by or over; omission; disregard, in this case, charity)

Who can accuse him of lacking charity?
He felt the rain, cold and dank, too many people
without shelter, poorly dressed, wet and shivering.
I’d rather not talk about it. I’m like everyone else.
No one smelt the squalor of a place forgotten by mankind.
So he retired to his beautiful warm mansion.

Who can accuse him of lacking charity?
He knew well enough what charity meant.
A woman, beautiful and sick trembled in front of his house.
Inadequate clothes covered her body thin.  She coughed.
Some drops of blood dribbled down her cheeks.
I'm cold she murmured. But cruelly he turned away.
Merciless night saw her wane as she lay exposed to the storm.
Don’t talk to me about charity.  I know what it is.

I’d rather talk about beautiful things.
Morning came and found her dead.
They buried her outside the town in a forgotten grave.
Stop talking to me about charity.  Tell me where I failed?

Alas, no bells tolled her demise.
They left her to the numb unfeeling cold
And slowly turned back to town leaving her to the merciless sleet.
Ashamed he felt that he should pray. May she rest in peace.
You see, he knew what charity means.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Tor Avatar
January 31, 2023 at 8:02 PM
You can't trust any of them Victor they have enslaved us, made us sick, and now they are bringing the new world order to control us more and finish us off...
DiMino Avatar
January 31, 2023 at 12:11 PM
Sounds like politicians, make the nation poor, sick and wanting -- and then throw them crumbs. And they had best worship and obey or else....
Fowler Avatar
January 31, 2023 at 12:01 PM
Hypocritical indeed. Sounds like a few politicians I've heard with their "promises".
Legros Kelley Avatar
January 31, 2023 at 11:47 AM
This poem reminds me of the rich man and Lazarus. I imagine she went into the comforting peace from her tragic death, and he goes to his mansion for now, but what of eternal rewards? "One drop of water for my parched tongue, warn my brothers!" But its so obvious that even if one was sent back from the dead with words of warning, they would be left unheeded by those rich who seek only comfort for themselves. Whatever is done unto the least of these is done to Christ Himself. God bless you Victor
Edmonds  Avatar
January 31, 2023 at 9:14 AM
A sorrowful write Victor, it’s tragic that there are so many living on the streets, it’s easy to imagine the hunger and discomfort of so many. It truly is an unfair world we live in today and the way things are it can only get worse. Blessings, Belle
Kendrick Avatar
January 30, 2023 at 12:10 PM
There are so many in need throughout the world today, but if we can help one person, one family, or one group of people then maybe others will take up the responsibility of helping some somewhere else and it will just keep on spreading. Thanks for sharing this one and for dropping by my page. I always enjoy your comments. Sara
Andresen Avatar
January 30, 2023 at 6:55 AM
... he knew ... but closed his eyes ... a heartbreaking poem, Victor - hugs
Daniel Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 9:33 PM
Loving in mere words, not actions, well scripted, Victor:)
Kitchin Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 6:43 PM
Victor, a powerful poem and so sad but true, well penned!
Horsman Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 4:05 PM
Wow, My friend, this so different ffrom you, such power in every word you write, love this so much. Harry
Buehler Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 10:58 AM
Victor, your sad, powerful poem is a poignant reminder of the need for more love and compassion. Best of wishes, Evelyn
Dietrich Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 9:18 AM
oh wow, that hits hard, Victor. loved how you showed the true character of this hypocrite.
Roper Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 8:44 AM
A well written heartfelt verse. So many of us do turn our backs on those who need it.
George Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 7:48 AM
Though all of us know what it is to be charitable, when it comes to the question of helping someone in dire situations, we turn our back and coolly walk away ! This is a poem that should make our eyes open to the pathetic scenes around us. This is so emotive and tugs at my heart strings !
Volumes Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 7:07 AM
l have already added this to my favorite list. Your words have such meaning, l am sure we are all like him at times. So much suffering its easy to turn away. Your poem is a wake up call Victor. A beautiful heart felt gut wrenching wake up call to us all. l am so proud to know the man that wrote this amazing insight to life.
Poet Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 6:48 AM
This is a heartbreaking verse, but it accurately portrays the attitude of many people toward the poor. A moving piece on the crassness of so many men's souls.
Pandit Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 6:45 AM
A poem dwelling in message from divinity. Words of wisdom you convey, Victor.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 6:42 AM
We need to transfer our charity to action. Well done, dear one!
Cunningham Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 6:35 AM
Said that in this day and age corporations and fat cats get richer while poverty is rife everywhere, but I'm pleased in the knowledge that when they die they don't take a penny with them. Quite a sad verse Victor but it's the truth on how many have little regard for those less well off. Tom
Lawless Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 5:23 AM
OUCH!!! Had to look up the title word, preterition .... followed by a need to read this poem. the epitome of the "I gave at the office mentality". A beautiful write regarding the shallowness of so many hearts.
Rose  Avatar
January 29, 2023 at 4:22 AM
your breaking my heart in two with this one Victor, I can feel the essence of your soul in every line you penned, I'd fav it but I can't, cuz its too too sad. Still, your poetry is excellent here, so I'll put it in my poems of memorabilia, where it belongs, pressed against the pages of a poets private book, sealed with a rose that never dies. xo
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