I beg you (1)

On sharing expectations:

I gave bread to a beggar.
He thanked me and walked away.
I never saw him again.

I gave bread to a beggar.
He thanked me graciously, and
wished me a good day in return.

I gave bread to a beggar.
He thanked me profusely, and
the next day, there he was again.

I gave bread to a beggar.
He thanked me curtly, and
the next day, he expected wine too.

I gave bread to a beggar.
The next day, he asked me
if he could help me make bread.

Who was the giver here?
What was the gift involved?
And what do you do with
the gifts you are given?

I use my time and energy where
it will create the greatest results.

I beg you (2)

... you have to do it all. No shortcuts.
-a Crone who was nameless,
quoted in a post by cindygerb

Asking for help is hard.
I should know.
All one can do is try
to make things better.
A hand out can work.
But the other person
has to offer at least
one hand in return.

I am grateful for my gifts.