Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A POOR MAN'S WEALTH, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A POOR MAN'S WEALTH, by                 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.





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