The Paradox of Charity #1684

The Paradox of Charity In mansions tall and gilded halls, The wealthy count their gold, Amidst the splendor, shadows fall, A tale of hearts grown cold. They amass their fortunes, mile by mile, Through means both sly and grand, Exploiting hands and breaking smiles, To claim their promised land. Yet when the public eye they seek, Their pockets open wide, They give with hands that once were bleak, And bask in others' pride. With trumpets loud, they seek applause, In synagogues and streets, Their giving hides the flawed cause, Their praise, a hollow beat. The poor remain, the gaps persist, Though coins and notes may fall, For charity that's darkly kissed, Won't break the chains at all. True giving seeks no accolades, No honor, no disguise, It lifts the low, and light invades, And justice truly flies. So let us see beyond the act, To hearts where motives dwell, Where charity must face the fact, That truth it cannot quell. For when we give with love sincere, And not for worldly fame, We shift the tide, and justice near, Becomes our lasting claim. -Steven G. Lee (June 12, 2024)