Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A POOR MAN'S WEALTH, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A poor man? Yes, I must confess Last Line: This opulence of poverty. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Faith; Poverty; Wealth; Belief; Creed; Riches; Fortunes | ||||||||
A POOR man? Yes, I must confess -- No wealth of gold do I possess; No pastures fine, with grazing kine, Nor fields of waving grain are mine; No foot of fat or fallow land Where rightfully my feet may stand The while I claim it as my own -- By deed and title, mine alone. Ah, poor indeed! perhaps you say -- But spare me your compassion, pray! -- When I ride not -- with you -- I walk In Nature's company, and talk With one who will not slight or slur The child forever dear to her -- And one who answers back, be sure, With smile for smile, though I am poor. And while communing thus, I count An inner wealth of large amount, -- The wealth of honest purpose blent With Penury's environment, -- The wealth of owing naught to-day But debts that I would gladly pay, With wealth of thanks still unexpressed With cumulative interest. -- A wealth of patience and content -- For all my ways improvident; A faith still fondly exercised -- For all my plans unrealized; A wealth of promises that still, Howe'er I fail, I hope to fill; A wealth of charity for those Who pity me my ragged clothes. A poor man? Yes, I must confess -- No wealth of gold do I possess; No pastures fine, with grazing kine, Nor fields of waving grain are mine; But ah, my friend! I've wealth, no end! For millionaires might condescend To bend the knee and envy me This opulence of poverty. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ALL LIFE IN A LIFE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS FOUR POEMS ABOUT JAMAICA: 3. A HAIRPIN TURN ABOVE READING, JAMAICA by WILLIAM MATTHEWS IMAGINE YOURSELF by EVE MERRIAM THE PROPHET by LUCILLE CLIFTON I AM FIFTY-TWO YEARS OLD' by KENNETH REXROTH LAST VISIT TO THE SWIMMING POOL SOVIETS by KENNETH REXROTH PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR AS A YOUNG ANARCHIST by KENNETH REXROTH A BOY'S MOTHER by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY |
|