Strawberry Shampoo Anyone?

(off the cuff writing)

At times you read a quote

that can break your heart in two.

Did you know that there is

more fruit in a rich man's shampoo,

than on a poor man's plate?

And when accompanied by an image

of a child half starved to death

bones protruding, belly swollen

it can not fail to carve

that message firmly into your brain,

that the inequality many have to face

is nothing short of an avalanche of pain.

So many of us give what we can

to ease the burden of our fellow man,

but how can we be sure that our aid

reaches the right door?

That it goes to those genuinely in need

and not to those who are more intent

on building their bank accounts sky high

while standing by and smiling

with huge smiles at their own content.

It's a dreadful dilemma, it is for certain

we live in a world so corrupt with greed

so uncaring and thoughtless of others

we can't even feed our own.

While some are wealthy beyond their wildest dreams

others prematurely await the final curtain.

Reviews

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

Very honest and true
spoken words of the world.

Maybe if there was
more heart and compassion
And understanding and
knowledge they would
care.

The greedy are the
fools always taking
what they want not
giving.


Thank You for sharing
such a wonderful piece

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Benita, thank you for reading these words of mine and leaving such a lovely response. Truly appreciated.

Chris

[augustus]

I couldn't agree more Benita. Well written!

[Benita-Staebell M - KindredPoet]

You're very welcome chris it's
a wonderful piece I'm speaking my
heart and I enjoyed reading it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Augustus and Benita for your kindness

[Dave Brown]

another of yours I have missed
Words so true
The other day I saw a sorry soul, one of a steadily accumulating group of homeless persons,
dragging all his life's possessions along the road behind him, going who knows where.
A terribly difficult situation
Oh! BTW, You have been here, for more than a year, Chris dear

[Chris Shaw]

Good day to you Dave. Late afternoon. Popped in before dinner prep. Thank you for resurrecting this oldie and giving it an airing. Yes I have been here over a year, in fact almost 18months. I have posted quite a few poems in that time. Must be well over three hundred now. Most of the early ones were written five years or so ago. Hope you have a great day.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Ha, I was referring to your Author introductory page which is 6 months behind, 'time spent here'
read moreHa, I was referring to your Author introductory page which is 6 months behind, 'time spent here'
Jolly rest of day

[Chris Shaw]

Maybe it needs an update? :))

[Wondering Mind]

The hook at the very start captures the attention of the reader. Very nicely positioned for this honest write... 'off the cuff' indeed

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. When your mind goes on a wander you don't know what you will get.

Chris

[lightsong]

two sides of the same coin, life. it may be sometimes fate what makes a poor man poor, a wealthy man wealthy, BUT what I do believe even if that's true, that we are given life to make it better, not to make it worse, even to change fate, because we are allowed to change if we can to the better, to try and give harmony to this hectic world. so sad and true, touching and the most important thought You spoke about is how to make sure that the aid reaches the in need ones, this I think about like You do dear Chris. Thank You for a kind humanistic piece, may those who have their ears locked hear.

[Chris Shaw]

T hank you dear Light. Yes people donating want to ensure they are supporting the needy and not the greedy. So much corruption around. Grateful for your visit and your thoughts so much appreciated.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very true words. I lived a life of being starved, beaten and mistreated growing up. It speaks true to me.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee. I'm pleased you could relate to this piece, and it meant something to you.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

You're welcome.

[Lydia Shutter]

Your compassion shines in this one, Chris. It is true....every person can do something to help someone less fortunate. Whether it is giving of oneself or donating food to a food bank or clothing to the homeless. We all are responsible for the people of the world....because we are the people of the world. Such a heartwarming write, Chris. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Lydi** for your lovely review. We all need to show more compassion these days. Have a great day.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

I have felt this way about charity for a very long time when you read about the percentages of the money that go to the cause it is apparent that the charity has become the industry I do not give to large charities anymore only local ones my leftover food at my restaurant goes to local shelters and if i cant get someone to pick it up I deliver it myself at the end of the week after my Sunday brunch I designed it that way every week I start from scratch a whole new menu and at weeks end I give whats left away:) so you can guess how much I agree with you on this poem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love your mind rhyming queen:)

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Bunny, it makes me question the whole business of charity and aid, and yet there are so many needy people. Bless you Bunny for doing what you do, sending you a hug for that. Those people will be so appreciative of your help.

Chris

[Fairy Khan]

I love how you have presented the ugly truth of the underprivileged world out there in this piece. Commendable.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fairy for your visit. Truly appreciated.

Chris

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Christine... it is true...
there is more fruit in shampoo than on a poor man's table.
We need to encourage the planting of fruit trees and
berry bushes. Yes, there is greed in higher places.
I always feel somewhat selfish that we are blessed...
much more than others. Perhaps it is better to
encourage planting food if possible and teaching
others to earn a living than giving to charities,
unless they can absolutely Prove with sealed documents
where and how the money was spent. Unfortunately,
we are supporting the Boards of these Charities with high salaries
and expensive homes and vehicles and money to educate their
children. There must be a better way. If Government wants to help...
they could set up schools in every state to teach Agriculture and
even Schools for building homes, and the list goes on. There has to be a
better way. We must "plant a seed" of an Idea and watch it grow.
"To those who have received so much... much is expected". truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, you are so right. There needs to be far more accountability within the charity sector. They really seem to have lost the plot when it comes to the distribution of donations. More for their pockets than the intended. New ideas needed. I so agree with the suggestions you have made. We need businesses to set up in these areas and plant the seeds for the future. They must be taught to help themselves rather than expect charity. Many thanks for your very thoughtful review.

Chris

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Your piece reminded me of several posts I came across of starving children in Yemen and they, as well as your poem, had a heart wrenching effect. Also reminded me of this scandal which was recently reported by a British newspaper where they revealed that funds for flood victims in Pakistan were actually distributed among family members of a politician.. it is such a shame and certainly a weird world which we live in.

Your words hit hard on so many levels, Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

It's shocking what goes on Dr Y. People lining their pockets while others are dying. We live in a sad world. I so much appreciate your comments and thoughts.

Chris