An unintentional ‘flutter’ (IP)

She had some raffle tickets to raise money for her school,
she knew I’d want to help but had long made it a rule
to keep away from anything that tempted me to greed
– I didn’t want to hope for ‘luck’,
let discontentment breed.
                                        
I knew the needs the school had were various and many
for children who were struggling – they valued every penny,
so I felt I’d rather give a gift into their fund
I took my cash and put it in her hand …
for I didn’t want to want more out of it
than I put in,
(more than the school would gain themselves,
or ‘win’).

But in the press of working stress
she couldn’t see her way, next day
to sort this out,
so chucked the stubs into the tubs
and paid the money in,
for Mum would never win …

The fete-day came
and the raffle draw:
they heard a name –
‘1st prize is for …’
her Mum, had won!

Embarrased and giggling
– ‘This is for you!
They gave me the money
and watched what I would do.

Now, I’d not been complicit, no intention, no lust,
but I saw their eyes, and knew that I must
write an explanatory letter
and the money I should send
to make things better
for those kids’ school fund.

So, did we get out more than we put in?
We put in more than cash,
and though my daughter made a hash,
we laughed together, in openness and fun,
– of value greater far than the money ‘won’!