Paupertas

A modern (and uncliched) take on what it means to be "poor".

I am a flower

That will die after I bloom

At the peak I shall fall

For the limit is not in the middle

It is in the end

Realization of mortality

Why be drowned by possessions?

The afterlife has no room for such.

Dreams will remain

The "let it be physical"

But at the peak

Let go of your birds

Let go of your tears

And let go of your gold

Lavishness does not measure importance

Nor does price bring respect

Live the dreams but forget not

Man is affected by hands

Wealth is not a sin

But ignorance is most foul

Possession is not forbidden

But gluttony stains the name

We the viruses

Kill blindfolded the cell

Our eyes covered by greed

Greed is a servant of destruction

Greed is a sickness

Paupertas my friends

Be content

For we are flowers

Beautiful and young

Who will shrivel and die...

Author's Note

The word "paupertas" is of Romanian descent. It means "The State of Being Poor".

Reviews

[rachielle]

You use metaphor like it's the easiest thing on earth. This poem is very deep,but I know where you're getting to. In here, I see the state of our nation slowly crumbling to pieces. And this, my friend, is something politicians should read. They must be aware of what's going on instead of taking the poor to their advantage. They must realize how their greed has killed one too many of our fellow citizens. So, before I further get into my hatred for corrupt politicians, I shall commend you for your masterpiece. I will never regret inviting you to this site.

[J. Alexis Balaguer]

What struck me the most about this poem is that it is very rich in symbols. Every stanza showed an image of 'paupertas' as it should be contextualized by us---it is given in its rightful place and we must be content with it. At the same time luxury isn't a sin, however if we glutton for it, it becomes deadly. I also commend your variety of word choice and diction. Most of your images if used in common unison will not match (birds, viruses etc) but you pulled it off with this piece. Everything is in harmony.

Very well done. I'm impressed.
Keep writing and welcome to WC Ryan!

-Lexis