Poor Rich

Blessed are the poor...

Thick walls and

Guarded gates

Keep body and soul

Safe from harm, and

Insulated from insight

That grows like

Weeds down in the streets.

Pinched pockets have

Paid the price of

Clear eyes that

Look unto the hills and say,

“They that sow in tears

Shall reap in joy.”

Yours is the contrived,

Monstrous ecstasy

Of this world,

Kept alive by strife,

Bitterness and lies.

Mine are the songs of

A battered body and

A yearning heart -

A fertile ground for

Seeds of a divine art.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

One of the weirdest paradoxes about human frailty is that most of us cannot make progress until we are squeezed in some way, often drastically, to cause enduring pain, which doesn't let up until we grow up. I have never imagined or hoped to be rich or even well off. I've usually felt pretty rich being poor, so I love the message in your poem. Have a fun Halloween weekend (((HUGS)))

[Laz K.]

"cannot make progress until we are squeezed"
I agree.
Btw, this poem is not Marxist propaganda. The Bible quote refers to "spiritual poverty."

Thank you very much for reading and commenting.
It's always much-much appreciated!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

what a combo...they ought to make perfect lovers----but for how long?

contrived ecstasy with another's battered body...
but the art of love is what is important, right?

You just put out one excellent poem after another...I bow to your talent, Laz.
j.

[Amber Stone]

woahhh! wouhh! dear Laz, this one is straight deep good one and hits the bull eye target!
amazing structure, epic lines...i just love the final simile beating.
luvs, with fully respect, Amber

[Laz K.]

Hah, how nice! Thanks! I love your enthusiasm! :)

[John the Baptist]

This comes across as an indictment of some kind of system, possibly governmental or educational, that has provided security at the cost of intellectual freedom. This system has been financed by those who cannot afford it. There is bitterness here at those who maintain this system of the "monstrous ecstasy of this world," but the speaker, though battered, yet dreams something higher. May he find it.

[Laz K.]

That's an interesting interpretation!
Thanks for reading and commenting.

[Chris Shaw]

Poverty means different things to different people. For some it means a lack of money. Hardship when it comes to purchasing power. Not knowing where the next meal is coming from or how to keep warm in winter. Poverty of spirit is living without recognising the riches at our fingertips in the natural environment. I have felt very wealthy indeed when I look at the night sky, mountains in springtime, trees in fall, winding rivers, the vast ocean and even flowers in my own garden. That ability to recognise the good things in life, I inherited from parents and grandparents. That's where your poem took me Laz. Thank you for sharing your fine thoughts.


Chris

[Laz K.]

Good point: there are different ways of poverty besides the materialistic one.
Thanks for reading and commenting.

[Delmar Cooper]

It is difficult for me to understand true poverty and want having inherited great wealth from my parents, grandparents and family members. I see those who are poor, but the empathy is just not there, not from a cold heart, but from an inability to conceive the hopelessness of that condition.
The only thing that could make my life even a little more comfortable would be to have some money, but that is really a small thing, isn't it?

[Laz K.]

As others have noted, poverty can be understood in various ways. We all lack something: money, understanding, humility, compassion, courage, etc.
Thanks for reading and commenting!

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Well penned. I felt things in this poem. I also enjoyed the manner you wrote it all in. tyfs

[Laz K.]

Thank you!