The Beggar Man Poem by Loke Kok yee

Quite true! I too have felt that most of the beggars are happier than us! They don't have many wants, no great crippling ambitions, no deadline to meet, no unhealthy competition, no depressing stress! They can sleep anywhere, eat whatever they get, needn't care for their grooming! When I see a group of them relaxing and joking in bus shelters or railway stations, I feel they enjoy life! A great poem Loke! A 10

So true these words though much sadness prevails and it is a tough life living in the streets. I hope and pray that many will walk away from this lifestyle and try to come back but many have purposely left the stress of the so called normal life and are happy to stay as they are. Some are longing for a break to come back and live in the normal stream of things. Some refuse to help them but I always figure my gift to them is between God and me, when one gives for the right reasons it matters not what the person does with it. Give from the heart and leave it at that. Maybe one day you'll see that person all dressed up fine and you'll wonder where you saw him before. People change, all they need is a helping hand and you might have been the hand that helped. Never quesiton compassion...I'm deeply touched by your poem as I spent some harsh times in the street and made it back.....

Verily, the beggar man begs for the basic needs And we beg to God for comforts unlimited. Verily, we are the beggars Greater than them, They beg straightforwardly And we beg indirectly. They are self contented with basics, And we are.........? A lovely poem indeed, Loved reading and commenting, Added to my poemlist........10

A nice poem with excellent Rhythm.. Love it.. Thanks to dear poet

Very true, very true..but begging is below dignity of humans, even cats and dogs they serve for some payment and their payment is food and love...........

This is planned to appear in the December 2018 showcase. Thanks. bri (:

(cont.) you've changed my outlook! ! ! no longer will i give oferings! ! ! in fact, i think i'll start living on the streets tonight! ! ! ! NO, WAIT, IT IS TO BE A LOW OF 45 F degrees tonight! ! ! maybe tomorrow. ah, your tricky poem is deceptive i believe. ha ha. good one. to MyPoemList. bri :)

(cont.) line 6: sits back stanza 2 is GREAT! ! ! i would put for after provided. Living in the streets things cannot get any worse i like this, but 'living on the streets' can involve dangers. but so can 'living in a house' or hotel! ! Apart from food and shelter no other needs imposed...i guess thirst CAN be managed with the right food. but, hey, 'those bums' always have a cheap bottle of wine on them, DON'T THEY? ! (cont.)

Others who see him and are filled with contempt But if we were to see things their way if we can....MAYBE ...see him are filled.. and MAYBE their or his or her; are you referring to a/the beggar(s) ? ? well i guess their does at times refer to one person; yes, i believe so, but it seemed not right to me. i 'always' feel like (and have) spelling beggar as begger. (cont.)

Your poem really had me reflecting on quality of life. I had never really looked at homelessness in a positive way before... yet I can totally understand what you are saying Loke. Sometimes the troubles of a stressful day at work weigh heavily and I wonder why I choose to do what I do. And sometimes at work during a break standing in an air conditioned room I look out the window and see the sun disappear from a glorious day and wished I could have felt the breeze and warmth on my face for a while. Then I remind myself why I am here and how much I enjoy my job.... the highs and the lows of it. Being a real homebody I just love the comforts of my sanctuary so I guess I wouldn't enjoy even one cold night out on the streets.