Rich Or Poor

The smiles of children stamped in the mint of memory are the coin of the realm of happiness!

 

My great grandfather and grandmother Ben and Babe Morgan Circa 1920s

A rich man's son inherits want

with no desire to work hands bare

Gives the job to another man

to look out from his easy chair

 

A poor man's son inherits grace

born of toil and sweat of his brow

He adjudged of hard earned merit

pushes on what body will allow

 

The rich man's son inherits greed

with what malice it may entail

Thinking others beneath his station

for lack of character he does ail

 

The poor man's son inherits kindness

which with all others level stands

Then asks the outcast bless his door

to share the fruit of his two hands

 

Heir to what is the rich man's son

tender flesh that fears the cold

To the poor never gives his time

nor dare he wear a garment old

 

Inheriting, it seems to me

what no good man would wish to be

 

Heir to what is the poor man's son

strong muscles and pounding heart

Chipped of a marble character

beloved by all he touched in part

 

Inheriting, it seems to me

what all good men would wish to be

No claim to copyright fair use assumed

Author's Note

It isn't that rich people are per-say bad. Nor that poor people are good. It is the human condition that sets up society by stature. And counts wealth by monetary gain. Money is never happiness. Yet we are told all the time that it is. Look around you. See the multitudes rushing to amass their fortunes. And for what. Women who followed Gloria Steinem's ideals that you can have it all are miserable. Why? Because you can't have it all. You can't spend a life climbing the corporate ladder. Waiting to reach some plateau in your late 30s and then start a family. Children are not easy to raise. Nor cheap to keep in health and happiness. So why does money seem to make so many crazy and so many unhappy? Because money can't hold a hand. Money can't read a child's bedtime story. And money cannot make memories that last a lifetime. Shared life does that. Family does that. Descendants are the answer to selflessness. I cannot forget the look of a child's face who waited for dad to come pick him up when we were children. Only to hear again and again dad was too busy to come get him. How long do we think we will live? Not long. The dreams of happiness preached on wall street are the lies that will not live forever neither will we. The smiles of children stamped in the mint of memory are the coin of the realm of happiness!
Tate

Reviews

[Hanan_Maliah]

My man Tate..I have actually read this through more then once...it is to be reflected upon with more then a first glance. This understanding of being rich and having the world laid at your feet has for eternity been taken in stride...BUT...when you have toiled with your hands to bring your worth it is only then that you become RICH...those that believe the word rich applies solely to monetary gains are in fact poor...I would far rather be rich in mind and spirit enough to enjoy a fresh rain that has kissed the sweetest of roses bringing forth the decadence of scent burnt into memory that only a rose can bring then to be delivered a dozen cut, wrapped, or vased only to die...even then I would try to dry them so their existence is captured in time. I have often told men "Money neither impresses me or keep me...clothes do not make the man but are held together by a simple thread...it is the man himself do not have me find you lacking!" This said I would then ask who is truly rich and sorry to say really the poor..........

[Tate Morgan]

You are a peach I lay my pen in reverence upon the ground beside your feet

[Sheila Kline]

You write of many topics, but it is those imbedded with philosophical thoughts to ponder that I seem to relate to best, as you are able to convey your thoughts in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Your questions are those that allow the reader to stop and think, to formulate answers from the thoughts you present.

The rich man compared to the poor man, and the values that become those to keep are illustrated....clearly, and with expert wisdom!

A wonderful write that is going in my favorite's folder!!

[Stacey Watts]

I love the way you wrote the contrasts to what sometimes happens between the rich and poor. This was very well written. Excellent piece.

[ABitBrokenPoetry]

breathtaking. i loved this piece & its going in my favorites. so true, our circumstances & experiences in life shape who we become. a brilliant, wonderful write! you are a master of verse, the flow was perfect.

[John McGrael]

wow..... i throughly enjoyed reading this poem

i really enjoy the voice of the poem
it speaks such truth

congrats!

[Jennifer Marie Theresa ..]

Amazing and astounding, I am sorry it took so long to respond, a lot of crazy days. This poem goes so deep and shows people that wealth does not give you everything. To be known for greatness requires value and kindness and hard labor for honor. I love it.

[The Wave]

really nice. love how you went back and forth with the comparison between rich man/poor man.

its a good way to help people rethink what they really should aim to be. many people lust after money, forgetting that being rich and having a house full of expensive things is not what life is about. all of those possessions wont leave with you when your gone. its the impression you make. your character. that will live longer than green paper.

this piece has inspired me. it triggered alot of emotions and feelings, and now i have something to write about. thanks and...
good job.

[fallen angel]

amazing write Tate! so true to life :)

[Manie]

Great poem, capturing the essence of true happiness and character. The type of poem that would make most people think and consider their circumstances and how they react to it. An old well known quote came to mind as I read this poem: "Big trees do not grow with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees." But, obviously, the most important and cherished inheritance of the poor man's son, or anyone who triumphs over trials, tribulation and difficult circumstances for that matter, is character! And that is what you capture so beautifully in this poem. Great job!

[An owl on the moon]

Such profound comparisons and contrasts that paint an eloquent picture of life. This carries both a beauty and a depth of words. Thank you for sharing these thoughts!

[Magdelena]

Nice Tate.. I love the way you brought forth both sides with their worth.. To me being rich is having a wealth of friends and a great happiness within yourself.. Great piece. Thanks for the request...


Mag xx