I will take a chance on you,
I will take a chance on humanity.
I hear you ask for money on the T,
your voice travels like an echo.
You plead for money to get your
state card,
so you can be placed in housing.
Your deadline 2:30.
People hide away their smirks
and ignore you,
non believers thinking they are scammed.
In the belly of the T,
I believe.
I reach for my purse,
I want to pull money out.
Then I hear you saying you have
to get your son from foster care,
doubt shadows my goodwill.
Someone says,
that you go up and down off the
trains, seeking the compassion of
strangers.
I notice your fancy sneakers,
I hear the man behind
tell your story.
I'm not judging,
I just became a non believer,
as I watch you climb on another train.
I became a non believer,
and that makes me sad,
Ah but I wuold much rather give every time knowing that there's a chance that the next person I give to is someone who truly needs it...
ReplyDeleteI always give ..that's why it felt sad to me..for others that truly are in need...
DeleteYou have a great heart my friend!
DeleteThank you, Keith.
Deleteugh...its hard....there are those that will take advantage of the generosity of strangers and that hurts those that really do have need...as we start to look at them skeptically....
ReplyDeleteIt is hard..I normally don't question it and I am happy to help..but this time it just got to me ..the damage he was doing to others in need..I believed him..I wanted to..so it felt personal.
Deleteit's so difficult to know if the story is true...def. feel your heart in this ayala..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Claudia.
Delete:)
DeleteYeah seen quite a few who just do it for a quick buck, those dirty rotten umm ducks lol hard to tell many a time
ReplyDeleteSad :(
DeleteIt's always so hard to know. Great write.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tony.
Deletemy heart aches with yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura.
DeleteOh God, Ayala....been there.
ReplyDeleteLife is always a balance between gullibility and resolve not to be taken in. I can't count the times when I've been taken. but then again,....spare change might make a difference in someones life. It's a constant issue.
Very evocative poem with a lot of nodding from here.
Lady Nyo
Thank you, Jane. From a young age I have gone and fed the homeless..I don't like to talk about it. I think that's why this felt personal because I did believe him and I was upset at the people smirking and then when I realized that it was scam , it felt almost like a betrayal.
DeleteA wonderful story, wonderfully told. We so want to believe our generosity finds its intended home!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenny.
DeleteYep...I so identify...skepticism and sadness. I like how you told this in good poetry!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jen.
DeleteIt is sad that one has to be suspicious of those who claim need; but that, unfortunately, is what has happened in the world today with scammers out there. I mostly give through church or charities..as I think that people who are truly in need can hopefully find their way to an organization that can help them. Your poem def got me reflecting.
ReplyDeleteYes, we should do whatever we can. I like the the charities but it's so great when you see the need and to be able to help ....
Deletelovely how you've woven in the elements of this with such balance
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat.
DeleteI have seen those kind of people, and it makes me sad that they take advantage of the kindness of others ~ I want to give, but to those that deserve it, not to people who makes a living out of being lazy ~ Good one Ayala ~
ReplyDeleteThank you, Grace. So true..to those that are in real need..and there is so much of it today...more than ever.
DeleteMakes me sad too :( I like an honest beggar. My favorite sign of all time, "Why Lie? I want beer."
ReplyDeleteYes, I love that. :)
DeleteOh, this is sad when your heart says help especially when we know so many "really" need help..a thought provoking piece..
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly.
Deleteit is sad that we have to doubt these days... beautifully expressed
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurie.
DeleteScammers all around:
ReplyDeleteEdit: "you voice travels like an echo." --> "youR"
Thank you, Sabio :) That's what happens when I am in a rush ...
DeleteIt is sad, that those who lie and scam their way through life are, in their deviousness, stealing from those who truly need our help. Excellent write on a tough subject.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Charles. Thank you.
DeleteHave met a few like these, ayala...and it's shame how they taint us, destroy our faith...piece by piece.
ReplyDeleteSad that they taint us...yet at times we just know someone's heart by looking into their eyes.
DeleteAh, the street scammer...known to all who "ride the T" Always a bad apple in the bunch...but your heart is big enough to overlook and see the needy...well penned, A!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jackie.
DeleteIt is sad when we extend our hearts honestly and are met with less than the same. You have a good heart. Don't let the scammers spoil that for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kelly. I won't....
DeleteHappens all the time all over the world, Ayala. That doesn't make it any easier to deal with though. Good write.
ReplyDeletePamela
It does...thank you, Pamela.
DeleteThat is such a sad reality, Ayala. You want to believe and to help anyone who really needs it but, sadly, there are those who do raise doubt, inspire cynicism.
ReplyDeleteYes....
DeleteAyala...IT'S PEOPLE LIKE THIS who give us
ReplyDeletelegitimate beggars a bad name.
You can make out my check to charity. That's
CHARITY ELSAESSER (no relative....honest! Smiling!)
I felt your sadness also. Especially in these times, SO many out of work...and in real need.
Well written, because you touched me--and others with this.
Thank you, Steve..the check is in the mail :)
DeleteHow to judge the balance of heart and head? Such a tough call, but we can't let ourselves be suckered.
ReplyDeleteA tough call....
DeleteI often wonder if we give to those less fortunate, simply to make ourselves feel better. Great write on the possible gullibility of compassion.
ReplyDeleteI think we give out of compassion....
DeleteSad state of affairs when trust and compassion are proven to be misplaced. Great write.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth.
DeleteOh I wanted so much to believe with you - I have reached for those few bills too only to lose faith. Wonderful write with real heart. K
ReplyDeleteI still believe not in him but others...thank you.
Deleteoh, there is a tragedy in this, for sure, though it may seem a little thing. disillusionment... it's one of the worst feelings in the world!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Joanna.
DeleteI've often found that we see and perceive is only a fraction of the truth.
ReplyDeleteThought-provoking piece, Ayala.
Thank you, Rudri.
DeleteI always offer what I can when asked for money. I learned long ago that, for me, judgment has no place. I will share without expectation. Karma, God, whatever one believes, will take care of the rest.
ReplyDeleteTrue :)
DeleteYes, that's an ugly feeling, to be scammed--I like the real feel here 'in the belly of the T' where life happens, and we learn.
ReplyDeleteI love to help but I don't love to be scammed :) Normally my instincts are right.
Deletethat's so sad.....I try to give when I can and I hope I don't see a reason to doubt my deed.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad and a bad feeling.
Delete