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Open Poetry #38
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WindWalker
Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218


0 posted 2006-08-14 09:06 PM


There’s an old man I know in town –
a millionaire three times over, so he claims,
I met him in a coffee shop, queuing up
we struck a conversation over economics.
He confessed to me that it took him a long time
to realise the extent of the damage done
by money, by greedy individuals and corporations
all over this world.
And, said he, the problem is not resolving
and won’t; not until all profits have been squeezed
from all available resources and goods.

I’m a bit like the prodigal son, he admits
but I’m afraid it is too late to do much of anything.
I wish, when I was young
I’d looked into the eyes of the weak,
the poor, the dis-enfranchised of this world
instead of driving around like old man Potter
counting my money and seeing all things
only as a means to more profit.
Had I seen the gross injustices greed causes
perhaps then I could have made a difference.

But now I know tomorrow will come
and I will know the sorrow of what I
and so many others, have sown on the way.

He admitted he is happier divested of his holdings
and with most of his money gone – by choice.
I cannot change humanity, he said to me sadly
but I can change my mind, I can change how I think;
I can be compassionate now, without the money
and that’s quite a revelation, don’t you think?
His laughter is almost a whisper
as he adds,
for me, that’s got to be enough now.

© Copyright 2006 Sharran WindWalker - All Rights Reserved
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
1 posted 2006-08-14 09:40 PM


I'm afraid he is
a very rare find today,
this old soul who learned
along the way.
enjoyed!
And thanks for reading Binta!

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