Brothers' Keeper

by

Randy Finch


As I sit and ponder
the universe so deep,
I wonder if the things I sow
are what I'll really reap.

Is the helping of other people
the purpose of my life?
Is this the way to happiness
and the avoidance of strife?

But if what I give to others
is returned a hundred fold,
is not selfishness my motive
and not whom I behold?

So what's the moral answer
to helping those in need?
Should I give to them aplenty
or just a starting seed?

Should I give until it hurts
or give 'til it feels good?
Must I give until I'm needy
and beg another's goods?

Perhaps it is the value
of another in my sight
that determines the 'mount of giving
that is moral and is right.

For what if the stranger I rescue
a murderer would be?
Would I be in part responsible
for the survivors that will grieve?

But then again the one I save
might be the man who would
make the world a better place
and promulgate the good.

So how do I strike a balance
between others' needs and mine?
Should I possess a vineyard
while you possess a vine?

I must admit that though I help
others who have need,
I still own a nice big house,
two cars, and two TVs.

Although I put some men's misery
above things I could possess,
I put stereos and computers
above others who are left.

Is the lap of luxury
upon the knees of Satan
or just a place that those with need
love to direct their hate at?

With all the things that I've just said,
how do I decide
what to keep and what to give?
How's this moral law applied?

If giving all is good and nothing sin,
then where's the dividing line?
Exactly how much should I give
to be a moral man?

Or perhaps the poor among us
should get the powers that be
to forcibly take from those with much
and give to those in need.

But consider that coercion
does not moral giving make
'cause charity in its truest form
is freewill give and take.

So how should we divide our goods
whether all or just residuals?
The only moral and proper way
is to leave it to individuals.


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Last modified on April 1, 1996
Randy Finch at webmaster@rcfinch.com