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| Figure 1.3 The Transaction Model of Communication |
Both giver and receiver must be in the loop—
without the one, the other expires—or holds
and holds and waits for some enlightenment.
How can I take? How
can I give? What will complete
the circuit? Guardians
could ask when they dress their
children in neighbors’ hand-me-downs for school.
Givers could practice not shaming the poor. Yearly,
bullies find their fodder and relentlessly aim
their jibes to kids’ guts, so charity fails.
Inspire, expire—inhale, exhale—again. Direct
energy into growing pains.
Eat, defecate,
and everything between. Health beats out shame.
We live through it and grow. No harm, no foul. Now each
of us have giveaway routines. We lovingly
fold almost new, and pay forward with sighs.
The child inside—who’ll never be outgrown—nods yes.
She feels the giving as a gift, a hug—circuit
complete, both sides a single beat.
For my prompt tomorrow at Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Charity
My blog poems are rough drafts.
lease respect my copyright.
© 2018 Susan L. Chast
It's lovely when the circuit's complete.
ReplyDeleteCuriously I have been giving to a Charity for many, many years, where communication with a the recipient child was possibel and encouraged. I'd seen many children grow to adults knowing that I had helped. That same organisation also worked in Laos where my last child was. The Laos government now handles the distribution of donations to the children not the charity, so no communication is possible and no news received although the money was still sent. So I don't even get a photo or translated note anymore! Sadly the system breaks down sometimes.
ReplyDeleteGive without shaming the receiver.. that is so important.. we reinforce the message here as well.. give so the receiver keeps his dignity and you keep your soul. Thanks Susan.
ReplyDeleteA great cycle beautifully explained
ReplyDeleteLuv the concept of the "hug circuit"
ReplyDeleteSurely the best way of giving and receiving, Susan
Much💗love
A wonderful thoughtful poem...giving and receiving.
ReplyDeleteThis poem reminds me of when I was twelve and we were living in our direst poverty yet, when a woman friend of my grandma's donated to me a bunch of her clothes - old lady clothes. But I tried them on for my parents as a small fashion show, and wore some of them to school. The coat especially was an old woman's coat, and thin; it didnt keep me warm so I got bronchitis every winter. I remember one of the kids telling me I looked like a refugee. Anyway, off on a tangent. I so admire your poem, and your observations. May giving always be a loop between giver and receiver.
ReplyDeleteLove the simple wisdom in your words here Susan, and that last stanza is glorious!
ReplyDeleteThe last stanza is truly stellar!
ReplyDeleteWonderful lines:
ReplyDelete'The child inside—who’ll never be outgrown—nods yes.
She feels the giving as a gift, a hug—circuit
complete, both sides a single beat.'
It is important to give, maintaining the respect and dignity of the receiver. Something about that in Bible...settling for crumbs from the rich mans table.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and valuable reminder of the importance of kindness and giving. Love this, Susan!
ReplyDeleteThere are many lessons to be learned from your perceptive poem.
ReplyDelete