Oil Wells in My Living Room

I am not one to covet wealth,

preferring riches such as health

to bless the lives of those I love.

I do not care for showy stones

or necklace chains that drip their gold,

but praise the gifts that nature brings

that raise my spirits when they're low.

Far greater valued than all gems,

grant me a sunrise washed in pinks,

a sunset swathed in purple hues,

vast oceans wrapped in turquoise blues

or stars that priceless wink in fun,

that spangle in the dark night sky

as I behold their majesty.

Or walking in a winding lane

while red kites circle overhead,

alive the hedgerows, leafy green

with poppies scattered randomly

in clusters with their silken skirts

of scarlet teased by gentle breeze.

These are the treasures I hold dear.

As long as I have eyes to see

that swell and stir the life in me.

I'll walk though I have wells of oil,

a pump out in my living room.

For precious is this fountain spill

and all the wealth I'll ever need,

dispelling any tides of gloom.

Author's Note

A Title Challenge set by another poet.

Reviews

[Neville]

Some folk just don't know how lucky they are, do they .. who really needs precious gems n other stuff when often, what lies write in front of their eyes is of far greater worth .. Values and associated perceptions well poemed here Chris.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Neville for diving in to the archives and giving this old poem an airing. Have a lovely sunny Monday.

Chris

[emmajoy]

May i please live in this poem, Christine? Wrapping around the feel, the look, the heart of your words would be, is, the most precious of gifts in Life. Admittedly could offer you similar.. but to know a little more of our world would and could be .. a cure for most everything. Dear friend, your words are.. quite beautiful. Thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Emma. There is beauty for everyone, should they care to look. Sadly they don't.
read moreThank you Emma. There is beauty for everyone, should they care to look. Sadly they don't.

Chris

[The Exiled Wolf]

Love that idea of the nature being the most precious wealth that one can have! I love the colorful descriptions of the views and the casualness within the lines. Each imagery in this piece lights up my day!

There are a few touches I would suggest:
Stanza 2, line 5: try "pricelessly wink" - it seems like you are using wink as a verb so you may want an adverb for it
Stanza 3, line 4: try to remove "randomly" - scatter already carries the connotation of randomness

Thank you for sharing such a heart-warming piece!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for visiting my page. Always pleased to receive suggestions, but may nor necessarily use them. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Many splendid images in this one, especially in verses 2 and 3. The philosophy is a spiritually solid one, for the things mentioned are ever available and free. If one can appreciate such things, perceived material lacks will fade. Very nicely done.

[Chris Shaw]

I am thankful for your very kind review and your visit to my page.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

just had an eye exam today...good news...just a slightly stronger prescription of glasses...but seeing what is around me is everything to me...and good friends...the wealth of that...my mom for a time was into that idea of "having things" and always asked me if i didn't want same...i never did...your poem expresses what i wanted too.
and beautifully.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Pleased for you that your eyes are ok. So important that is. When I was younger I was caught in the trap of wanting things, but for the last twenty years or so, I don't consider material things to be of any interest at all. Good you can relate to this poem. Thank you.

Chris