大学英语综合教程第二册第二六单元原文及翻译.docx

1. It was early December 2003, my first season as a Salvation Army bell ringer, when I was confronted with the question. I was standing just outside the doorway of a Wal-Mart, offering a thank you and a smile to each person who dropped a donation into my red kettle. A neatly dressed woman and her young son walked up to the kettle stand. While she searched her purse for some cash, the boy looked up at me. I can still see the confusion and curiosity in his eyes as he asked, Are you poor? Well, I stammered, trying to think, I have more than some people, but not as much as others. His mother scolded him for the social no-no, and they hurried off to do their shopping. His question, however, did not leave me. 3. Ive never thought of myself as poor, but I cant deny certain facts. Every time I fill out my 1040 form, I fall into one of the lowest income brackets. In the past 35 years, Ive taken just one vacation trip. My TV is a black-and-white set that someone gave me eight years ago. 4. Yet I feel nothing more than a passing whim to attain the material other people have. My 1999 car shows the wear and tear of 105,000 miles.  things But it  so many is still dependable. My apartment is modest, but quiet and relaxing. My clothes are well suited to my work, which is primarily outdoors. My minimal computer needs can be met at the library. 5. In spite of what I dont have, I dont feel poor. Why? Ive enjoyed exceptionally good health for 53 years. Its not just that Ive been illness-free, its that I feel vigorous and spirited. Exercising is actually fun for me. I look forward to long, energizing walks. And I love the can do attitude that follows. I also cherish the gift of creativity. When I write a beautiful line of poetry, or fabricate a joke that tickles someone, I feel rich inside. Im continually surprised at the insights that come through my writing process. And talking with so many interesting writer friends is one of my main sources of enjoyment. But there