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Recorded Reading (2:20): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5qgzvnm4tzx5ifl1hr9au/Object-of-Charity.mp3?rlkey=7mg8xc9mh01i7fgirs7t8pcg4&dl=0

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Object of Charity

An object of true charity should be
Treated with an equal dignity
With those who have to give charity of ~
Or gifted be from something less than love

Aught need to place them on a lower shelf
Than giver of the charity itself;
Aught price the giver chooses to exact,
So much subtracted is from kindly act

Too many workers seek to underscore
The difference between them they deplore
With surely better fortune uncontent
Upon demeaning emphasis are bent

Not only poverty must manifest;
Its object may have nothing of the best
Of those ameneties commonly between
Truly acknowledged equals normal been

But yet expected anyway to smile,
Such furnished in the customary style
Of one perceived only worse off to be
To stand on any point of dignity

Myself, when I perceive a present need
Around me, and I find I have indeed
The resources required that need to fill
It’s certain that dependably I will

I have five thousand poems fairly writ
Nor got payment from anyone for it ~
Must fondly hope that somewhere that good word
Is with healing and inspiration heard

Likewise with other writers that I read
Upon whose works I comment at their need
And voluntary affirmation give
May help their words as well to breathe and live

In years past have done editing, critique,
To and for the downtrodden sought to speak,
Promoted others, broadcast, mentored, taught
Whether I was paid for it or not

Nor would I treat those people otherwise
Politely than, nor any way despise
Them for receiving off’rings given free;
They owe no soul’s sovereignty to me

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This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

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