Musical Notes
Sad but true. Many beggars in different sizes and forms litter the streets of Shanghai. Some on trolleys, some carrying babies and some simply lie on cardboards, all with a metal tin in front of them.
Even students do it too, perfectly abled, knelt on the floow, bowing their heads and writing Chinese words on the floor with white chalk telling everyone their life story and financial needs.
Such sights are so prevalent in Shanghai that people literally don't see them anymore lest to talk about searching for a coin or two from their pockets to give them.
Few common reasons I have found after bringing this topic up with some locals:
1. they are literally just too many of them.
2. some are really fakes. Not helping themselves but hurting their own bodies to continue the trade of old
3. syndicates at work. Yeah, there are many "beggar" organizations around. You don't know who's real or not anymore.
Either way, as my mum tells me, we should not forget the less fortunate in our midst. Even if they might be bluffs or crooks, it is the heart of giving that counts. It's not about them but how you respond when faced with such scene. With that, I digged into my tight jeans pocket and managed out a coin for him.
As I heard the coin made a crisp "cling" when it reaches the base of that metal cookie tin, I knew I have made my mother proud that day.
Even students do it too, perfectly abled, knelt on the floow, bowing their heads and writing Chinese words on the floor with white chalk telling everyone their life story and financial needs.
Such sights are so prevalent in Shanghai that people literally don't see them anymore lest to talk about searching for a coin or two from their pockets to give them.
Few common reasons I have found after bringing this topic up with some locals:
1. they are literally just too many of them.
2. some are really fakes. Not helping themselves but hurting their own bodies to continue the trade of old
3. syndicates at work. Yeah, there are many "beggar" organizations around. You don't know who's real or not anymore.
Either way, as my mum tells me, we should not forget the less fortunate in our midst. Even if they might be bluffs or crooks, it is the heart of giving that counts. It's not about them but how you respond when faced with such scene. With that, I digged into my tight jeans pocket and managed out a coin for him.
As I heard the coin made a crisp "cling" when it reaches the base of that metal cookie tin, I knew I have made my mother proud that day.
posted by Ronni at 6:32 PM
3 Comments:
Hmm... This one is unlike any other of your entries. You're getting emotional. I like it.
awww how heartening. u make me feel all warm inside
Oops!! since when you have such a kind heart?..hahahah anyway is a good start, keep it up my dear daughter
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