That lodger

That lodger

That lodger

He came in the rain looking for shelter.
I did not have the heart to deny him
The use of an empty hut in the back.
I had been warned, though,
That very poor people are difficult to help.
If you give him one of your suits for Christmas,
He may not put it on, on the festive day.
How can he do so if he has no shirt
Even if you gave him the shirt and tie,
He would still have no shoes and socks.

When you have given the good example
In being kind and generous to the poor,
What happens if your young foolish daughter
Emulates your example
And the lodger mistakes charity for love?
Sometimes taking on a lodger
Is like planting a fast-growing tree
Not far from your dream house.
Even though there is no humus
Near the foundations
The tree may send its roots to find out
And destroy the house in the process!