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The Richest Men in the World (something deeper)
| Open Poetry #23 |
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The Richest Men in the World (something deeper) |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion 
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The first man: He must have been the richest man the world had ever known, For a poor man wouldn't discard the riches that he owned. Priceless treasure, truly unique, he cast aside each day, A king's ransom more precious than gold he just let slip away. There could only be one benefactor of his endless gifts, The person who was the treasure through which his fingers slipped. He casually wrote out his checks for his benevolence, Signed with a flourish, a careless tongue, endorsed with ignorance. He surely must be the richest man the world had ever seen, A poor man would hold very dear what the rich man didn't need. Burning bridges with temerity, he spent more every day, As if the treasure he loosely held would never ebb away. Who was this wealthy, foolish man who chose to spend so much? Who was this Midas who turned to pain everything that he touched? He was a man of untold wealth, so rich he couldn't see, That after he had spent it all, he would die in disbelief. The second man: Her laughter had been rich as silk, like coins of silver they shone, Yet, he said, when they were married, "Your laughter's mine alone. You garner attention, much too much, for the world to hear and see, No more should others share your laughter, those coins are just for me." He hoarded his wealth jealously, keeping out the light of day, Far too suspicious of every laugh or glance that came her way. His treasure would never be taken from him, he guarded it with care, No other person would ever see the treasure he couldn't share. Each passing day the silver dimmed, tarnishing in his grasp, Losing its luster from misuse, and from sequestered laugh. Because he wouldn't let her share her deep chuckle and merry mirth He was convinced upon his death - He was the richest man on earth. ------- Who were these richest men on earth, the wastrel and the miser, One so rich he spent his treasure and then died none the wiser, The other hoarding all he had in each desperate, grasping hand? The answer's simple, these two fools were really the same man. When my muse comes back, she does it all the way. I hope this message is read by those who need to read it. I'm so lucky in that regard. [This message has been edited by LngJhnAg (10-31-2002 04:35 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Michael Waterman - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
LNGJHN This is fabulous...the story lesson complete with moral wisdom....and written with flawless poetic form. I'm impressed!! |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Damn LongJohn...haven't seen one of these treasures from you in many years..This is a wonderfully written lesson and poem... |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Fantastic!! Poet sir you have penned a  Into my library this goes! ~Hugs~ ~ Time has cast a spell on you |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Sailor dear, I'll tell you the same thing I tell Toe... well... not ALL the things. LOL You both write such incredible fun... and that requires immense talent. *S* I know... I can't even tell a joke well, much less weave one into poetic magic. *G* But you are serious artists, also... who can leave a reader awestruck. *S* Either way, it's always a treat to wander in to your work. *S* This is simply fantastic!!! *S* |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Martie - Thanks for those kind words. My muse can be a devil when she doesn't hang around for awhle. But she always makes up for it. Toe - I really, really try to not go after you and 'Deer. You MUST believe that! It's just too much for me, and my muse sometimes is very insistent. Thanks for those great words, Toe. Belle - For you to include me in the Toerag Hall of Fame is truly an honor, as I know of the high esteem in which that scalawag is held by you. Thanks, Belle. You've always been the kindest of friends. I cherish your words and your wit, even when it's biting and sharp. Nancy - Thank you for being so supportive. I hope you never become the subject of one of my poems (serious poems, that is - heh). |
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garysgirl 
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Well, Mr. LongJohn Sailor.... This is really amazing. I REALLY didn't know you had all this talent in you. This is really beautiful, Sir. I hope I can read more of these kinds of work from you. But, now, don't forget about lil' ole Toe and Ball-deer. Seriously, it takes a WHOLE LOT of talent for you, Toe, and Balladeer to come back at each other with such excellent humor. Ya'll can just write anything your heart desires and it will be talent with a capital "T". Thanks for sharing with us. Love To All, Ethel |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
yes, your muse does come back so well! This had me thinking of church for some reason - of being a kid in church and listening. Cor |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Your muse...is very good to you. You ARE right...this IS deep, with wisdom. Good job, LongJohn! |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Dear Mr. LngJhnAg ~~~ *** ~~~ You amuse me with your humor You woo me with love song You awe me with your wisdom I could read you all day long! ~~~ *** ~~~ My halo's off to you for this masterfully written piece! Earth Angel |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
This is a fantastic story. I really enjoyed this one. |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Ethel - Thanks for your encouragement - Naturally I will continue the good fight to place those two reprobates in their proper place. Corinne - I wasn't trying to be preachie - honest! And, if you knew me in person, you'd know I wasn't trying to sing, too! I hope you enjoyed the poem. Karilea - Thanks for your kind comments. You are prolific in your writing, so your muse must be working overtime. I think my muse just likes to travel too much. Angel - You could read me all day long? Is this a gentle way of saying I'm too wordy? I hope not. I really try to emulate 'Deer, but I usually fall short. He's a great role model, though. Smarty-pants chick - Thank you so very much for that comment. I really try to write something deep and profound every once in awhile, and words such as yours provide me a lot of encouragement. I need that. |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
Well said! Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
a fantastic write, Longjohn... a beautifully woven poem with a moral too!  ~ hugs of excellenceLyra |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Like I've said before, Mike, when you set your pen to the paper in a serious way there is no one finer. Nice work, my friend  |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
LngJhn this is SO true, for whatever you give away does come back to you in many ways double-fold. I loved this one, and Balladeer said, it, when you are on, you are really on! Awesome writing. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
I can tell you for myself, this was indeed read by one who needed it, thanks good friend, you are amazing. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Both, the final ends of greed Will bear no fruit from any seed No flower springs from ego's self If money is the gauge of wealth A love that's won, an endless treasure A love that's lost, grief without measure Money's valid to sustain But ultimately love will reign A very inspiring poem. I am in tune with your thoughts Beautiful poem, my friend Hugs Liz |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Good morning, Liz - You are such a beautiful poet. Living with you must be wonderful, for how could any person write as well as you and not be a poet in all other things, too? I reread the poem, and it does appear that the first man foolishly spent money. Actually, the first man destroyed love with sarcasm and vitriol. The second man used jealousy to do the same work. Upon writing this post, I just realized that I should have written the second man's part first. It would have worked better. Nevertheless, both men are fools indeed. [This message has been edited by LngJhnAg (11-01-2002 07:49 AM).] |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Living with you is probably pretty interesting too I'd imagine...(If ya wanna call what poor Lorelei does living)....good morning ya old sailor...is today Hooter'sday? |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Good morning guys, pretty hard to be serious when the 3 of you get together. Thanks for lighting up my life Liz |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Toe - As IF I would tell you about my lunch plans today (psst, Toe, wanna come along?) Liz - Your light burns bright enough. You are one of the classiest people I know. |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Meet me in Atlanta....Cheetah's....they have a great "Buff-aay"... |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
I went to Cheetah II's quite a few years ago, Toe. I might have seen you there. Do you play a piano? lol |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Yep...I accompany Balladeer as he dances.. |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
Thought provoking write, Long John...  |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Toe - LOL@Balladeer dancing - There goes much appetite for lunch. I guess I'll just pop a bag of popcorn and try not to think of 'Deer for awhile - lol. Thanks Scopio - |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
No, I most definitely was not implying that you are too wordy! LOL I was trying to say that I love all of your poetry---the ones on love and humor and ones like this one that is so full of wisdom!---I enjoy your writing so much, that I could read it all day long! Again, I say to you, this is a masterful piece of writing! You have many sides to you, dear poet! ~ You keep writing and I'll keep reading! EA [This message has been edited by Earth Angel (11-01-2002 10:45 AM).] |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
ROFLMAO @ Deer dancing... absolutely classic! LOL But at least now I know why Toe said he'd be busy today! LOL |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
An excellent write...I enjoyed reading several times... How wealthy the man that understands the treasures in his grasp. Smiles from ThisDiamond |
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Tammy Blessing Member
since 2002-08-26
Posts 366PA |
What a fantastic write!!You keep amazing me with your wonderfully deep message and words LongJohn!! I'm almost convinced that you ARE the innocent victim in Deer and Toe's games!! ALMOST... Tammy |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Your humorous side makes me laugh (and occasionally cringe). Your serious side proves you are not all fluff and flames, but an intensely complex poet who knows how to weave a great tale. |
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Elan Member
since 2002-05-03
Posts 382State of Wide Eye |
Something deeper, indeed. You are very wise, sir... |
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EagleScorpion Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644Here, Now, Forever |
mmm.. havent read wisdom such as this in a while. I have sent you nothing but angels, and I have placed nothing but miracles before you. |
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