When you expect
a curtsy,
a blessing,
a prayer,
a sketch from a child
in return for
morsels and tidbits
it’s merely a trade
a tiny transaction
where you set the rules;
Being noble
is only when giving
is nameless
with no strings attached.
Since it today it is giving Tuesday (after we have burned our assets on things on sale) Merril at dVerse wants us ti write a poem of giving (or not giving), since I missed the Quadrille yesterday I am also linking up to to there where Mish hosted and the word included should be sketch.
November 28, 2023
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Amen to that. Genuine altruism is uncommon. Best to give under cloak of anonymity.
It is hard but we are all sinners there I think
This is so perfect. ♡
Thank you
“a sketch from a childin return formorsels and tidbits”
summarizes the conditional so well
Indeed, I find there is a lot of hypocrisy in some of the giving.
I like the way you combined the two prompts, Björn, with no strings attached! I agree that it’s best not to expect anything in return and ‘being noble is only when giving is nameless’.
I think it is very hard to do it, but it would maybe remove some of the guilt felt by the recipient.
I really like the message here–well said in only a few words, and I like how you brought in the child’s sketch.
Your image worked well–though it looks like the gentleman is about to turn in a dance pirouette, like a scene from a musical.
I know… about the dancing man… maybe it is a fake curtsy
Ahh–a good thought!
A lovely blending of the prompts. I think we are all guilty of it sometimes. Maybe we are trying to reaffirm ourselves that we’re doing something good, or encourage others to join in, but to simply boast and announce our good deeds for recognition….that’s when the goodness feels invalid. This quadrille is a good reminder.
It is also that we built it from the shame and guilt of the recipient.
Agreed. “a tiny transaction
where you set the rules;” – too many of those. I think human beings are inherently selfish, and so it is more difficult for some of us to give without condition.
Agreed. I was having similar thoughts, and remembering debates of whether altruism can actually exist when people give because it makes them feel good about themselves.
I agree wholeheartedly. Beautifully written.
yes indeed!!!
Much🖤love
True.. when giving is only so the giver can feel good, it is just a trade…
Beautiful poem. Yes, it is all about giving from the heart.
Truth! Sadly, as humans we tend to seek some form of thanks when we give.
Forty four words offering the reader much to ponder .. what great poetry does.
A very good depiction of hypocrisy Björn…
So much truth in this poem. Giving without expecting anything in return, that is the real definition.
Excellent distinction, Bjorn, between quid pro quo and gratuity not asked for in return.
..
“No strings attached” is the best way for a gift to be a true gift.
Excellent Björn, and an unfortunate truth.
A deft move of hours
to meet two prompts in one quadrille – and what a deep reflection on unconditional gifting… Thanks!
Those strings can choke. But hard to find any gifts these days without them. (K)
*APPLAUSE!*
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Exactly so.
We seem to be slipping away from that practice.
Excellent excellent last stanza!
A nice reminder to all those who feel the need to film it for their own self aggrandizement.