I'd Rather

I’d rather fill my mind with books, than pile money into jars,

I’d rather hear the cuckoo’s song, than idle talk in bars,
I’d rather be a friend of one, than race after the crowd,
So that I could feel wanted, to make myself feel proud.

I’d rather travel far and wide, to see the world once over,
Than hide behind my silver gates, my eyes becoming older,

I’d rather launch my ship alone, towards waters dark and deep,

To know I’d braved the oceans swell, than follow as a sheep.

I’d rather know that what I have, I’d give to one in need,
Than stack my cash in rolls of green, to prove a life of greed,
I’d rather have a house and home that’s full of noise and mess, 

Than spend each moment wondering, if mine would beat the rest.

I’d rather help one off the ground, than strike them when they're low,

Just to watch how far they'd fall, to make my ego grow,
I’d rather count my blessings, than medals, coins or wins,
For all of those whose minds are wise, know pride’s a deadly sin.

I’d rather be a pauper, who sleeps on cold hard ground,
Than a king on mighty pedastal, atop a golden mound,
For at least I’d know the God given earth, would help me yet to stand,

While the king must lose his footing, his mound becoming sand.

For neither love nor time, can be bought with gold or silver,

And yet to lack the both of these, no cost was ever dearer,

For what matters more to me, than privilege and wealth,
Is something far more precious, it can't be bought nor lent.

It eludes all those who think, they know it all and more,

Who fatten on others misery, yet are rotten to the core, 

This treasure that I speak of, comes wrapped in humility,
It doesn't seek to outshine others, nor the best to be.

Remember always that in this life, what you reap you sow, 

The more you share this gift around, the greater it will grow,

It is a gift from God Himself, this grace to Him will bind, 

And I’d rather just have this one gift, the gift of being kind. 

Reviews

[Kent Rawski]

Great altruistic soul curious as to what makes you lots of mad is it something you could or never had

[BonnyRivers]

Probably both! Frustration perhaps at pent up literary tension, relationships, life choices, social changes you name it! As for altruism, I aspire towards it but have many miles to go unfortunately. I hope I wrote it out of genuine soul searching as opposed to it being a public commentary inspired by bitterness or resentment. I don't know, that is the paradox perhaps;)

[charlie]

I'd rather read this poem of great worth and inspiration; of sincere feeling, and truth given by a great teacher in Christ.
Thanks for sharing this mighty portion, Bonny.

[Lyn Anderson]

Nice repetition and flow, and an important message

[BonnyRivers]

Thank you Lyn. I have to remind myself to practice what I preach from time to time. I appreciate your taking the time to stop by!