You've struck a nerve that needs a few strikes. Those who share the nobility of working for what they have, whether little or more, should read this and be reminded of their worth. Those who practice the "excess and waste" should read this as a look in the mirror.
Well done!
Terry

The last stanza is especially knockout, Karen, and truly makes me think. Yes, so much of this is true. But our economic systems are in such tension for those who find themselves on the "breadline". Over here, our taxation is such that some of the "proudest and most shrewd" find themselves in the unpalatable position of having to accept "the dole" because it makes more fiscal sense for them than having to find paid work. Go figure! Tis all madness. But I have the greatest respect for the sentiments of this acute write. The "charity" of the well-off costs them nothing and benefits them much, often... not least in the "feel-good" factor. Bless you, Kate xx

Very beautiful writing sweet lady,have a wonderful and safe day...Hugss

A great write Karen as I have no problem for those in need to use the system , that is what it is there for but I see so many everyday abuse it and those that need it have to do without because of the dishonesty. Thank you for sharing.

Newfie Hugs, Rose

Karen, hand-me-downs & charity, I'm sure feels to those who have to receive it just as your writing says...you've expressed it so well. A nice write!

i like the barter system, trading services, skills...i suppose that was the orginal intent of money...somewhere it took a left turn...and the well intentions of those with more failed to dispense personal well being into this current welfare system

well said, Karen!

Outstanding alert. "Charity" rings the bells of FAIRNESS in poetic grand.

I salute You, Poet.

In respect,

Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU

Don't hold it in Karen, let it all hang hang out. And you're right, the heck with charity, unless it's the lotto for millions. Great down to earth expressive verse

Sometimes many need help in some form or another. Working for what one gets provides a f=deep sense of satisaction an dwe are beholding to no one. Some times if help is given in a certain way with good intenetions , I think its ok to accept it. Some people want charity , as a means to an end..Good write!....M

Can't but dignity and pride,, Well done Karen!!!!
:Christine

Karen, it is admirable of any and all who want to succeed in life on their own. And yes, there is that lady or gent called PRIDE. It is something that keeps us striving to better ourselves and serves as the solution to keep us from reaching out our hand for help.

But let us not forget that while some abuse the system of charitable help, there are those who could not survve without it because of disablities. They too have pride and I've known a couple who would give anything in the world to go out and work and earn a decent living for themselves.

I think this line from your poem says it all for those who have the pride and physical and mental ability to achieve: "And every day, I work to exist with more nobility".

Beautiful write Karen, for everyone needs dignity and pride. Well said. Love, Bonnie

But you see, Karen, the majority of folks who receive "charity" do not think they are beholden to the givers, it has gotten so bad in this once great country that it is a "right." Sad. So very, very sad. You can go down the list of commentators and see that "right" theory at work . . . Sage, notwithstanding . . . she gets it . . .

As others have said, many truly do need help when life has beaten them down, and many of them are very willing to work for this help, but there truly are many others who 'milk the system' every day.

Very nice!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

Karen,

Much to be said about making it on ones own. Charity is ok with the right intention but pity demeans the intention. Peace, Love and Blessings Always, Paul.

Touching is clear_less beholden & sincere )( evol smaerd ~ Ted

Karen, this is excellent. While I know there are those that truly need help, I understand completely what you are talking about here...and I agree with you!

Very strong statement of our times, as a disabled person who worked for the government for thirty years I had to wait two years to get the pensions I had been paying into for all that time, while I see people who have never worked teaching their children how to use the system as they did. It is disheartening to say the least.

Fe

So true Karen! There are always those who truly need help and we can understand and support them, but those who purposely seek hand-outs when not needed,and those who purposely look to make people dependent on them is a disgrace to society.Fine writing!

ET

Work is such an important term and concept. We undervalue it too much. Dignity is possible through work that is fulfilling.

I love your work too, Karen. These lines are rich with the booty collected in self-pride. It is affirmation of worth, the author's dignity, worth more than weight in gold. Your work is also spirited and fits well in the den. Thanks always for making your writing available to us.

Sage

Thought provoking excellence, Karen, being dependant on the system is no way to live. However, there are those who are legitimately (spelling?) disabled who are unable to work, who have no other source of income - but I understand the points raised in this poem. Well done.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.