Page 68 - PowerE-L05-A

Lesson 17

Money

I am not only heart broken, but I’m
also completely broke. I don’t even have a

cent to buy a smoke. I just have these two

measly coins in my pocket. Perhaps if I
rub them together, they would mate and

multiply so I can buy cigarettes. What
kind of life is this? I have to make a living

to have a life in this Godforsaken world.
“I’m in a tight spot”, I told my best buddy Bert, “Lend me a hand”. He said sadly,

“Why do I always have to bail you out, my friend. But here’s ten bucks. Forget

about paying me back. That’s for friendship.” After hearing the scolding, my pride
considerably wounded.

Then I asked my brother if I could borrow some cash from him. Guess

what he said. “Alms are for the poor. Go get it yourself!” I don’t want to receive
pitiable sympathy from my brother too, but he is being harsh on me. I definitely

need a job.

Comprehension

1. What did the writer expect with two coins?
2. What did Bert do to the writer?

3. What does “Alms are for the poor. Go get it yourself!” mean?

Questions

1. Do you like money? Why or why not?

2. Do you want to be rich? Why or why not?
3. What do you think of beggars on the street?
4. If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

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