Who are the rich and poor?
I am up at the highest floor of my condominium.
We use the air conditioner to cool the heat.
I can chill with Netflix at a finger snap.
I happily take naps on the comfy sofa.
Just 2 steps down my gate.
I see them with bare chests and skinny shorts fighting the heat.
They sat playing games, laughing, in front of the house.
There was no soft chair as I peeped in their living room.
In 5 minutes, my electric cooker boils the food.
The tiles glitters as I use a vacuum to clean them.
My private restroom has hot water boiler.
I don’t want to wake up from the thick mattress.
I see them carrying wood to cook.
Their living room floor is bare ground full of jigger worms.
They need to use a bucket with diluted water in the toilet-seatless bathroom.
Their bones embrace the bed planks because of the thinness of the mattress.
What is there alike between these two worlds?
Struggle and enjoyment, strangely sharing the same land area.
The one thing is they are all humans.
God loves the poor and rich the same way.
Background of this poem.
During my holiday in Cebu, Philippines, I rented a luxurious studio in a condominium that catered to all my needs. However, as I strolled through the neighborhood, I couldn’t help but notice the striking contrast between the opulence of my surroundings and the evident low-income living conditions of the local residents. From my room balcony, I looked down upon a sea of brown, rusted zinc houses, haphazardly built in a disorganized manner.
While the children from the area contentedly swam in the dirty sea water of their modest community, the kids at the condominium enjoyed their days playing basketball and swimming in the expansive pool. This stark disparity reminded me of my own humble beginnings, living in a simple wooden house with uncemented floors. I vividly recalled the times we cried when our caring Mama gently removed jigger worms from our toes.
Today, by the grace of God, my life has taken a different turn. I am now able to travel abroad and enjoy an abundant life, living in a comfortable cemented house equipped with various amenities. This transformation has humbled me, as I recognize the blessings that have come my way.
My experiences in Cebu have served as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and gratitude. Witnessing the realities of others has given me a newfound appreciation for the opportunities I have been afforded. As I continue my journey, I aim to remain compassionate and use my blessings to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Bible verse of rich and poor
Proverbs 22:2
“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.”
1 Timothy 6:17-18
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
1 John 3:17
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
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