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True Worth
Her thoughts do not align with “bigger, better”;
A humble mode of living suits her fine.
The waning years of life bring contemplation
Of what defines a “wealth.” What draws the line?
It’s not to say material things don’t matter;
Advantages and travels she has known.
While pleasures in a life deserve attention,
It’s Wisdom that’s the greatest wealth to own.
Excessive greed evolves into obsession;
Conspicuous consumption makes a din,
But thoughtful search ignites illumination
As Wisdom plants its firmest roots within.
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Margaret Brinton has lived in San Diego’s inland valley area for over forty years where she taught and tutored. Her poems have recently been published in California Quarterly and Westward Quarterly and The Lyric with upcoming work in the greeting card industry.
Margaret, I am rapidly becoming a fan of your poetry. So clear, so crisp, so well written and so well-defined. The message of wisdom planting its roots within is both important and needed. Loved your poem.
The line, “Conspicuous consumption makes a din” stands out for me; and you have a point when you equate wisdom with wealth.
Wordsworth pointed out that ‘Getting and spending we lay waste our powers’, and you have expanded on this wonderfully, Margaret, by examining true wealth in these times of want and the ultrarich.
Thanks for the read.
To Roy and Cheryl and Paul.
Thank you all! It feels good to have your approval and support.
And thank you always to Evan for his brilliant addition of images, photos and art.
Not only is this a wise woman’s message, Margaret, it’s set forth with wise use of poetic elements. “Ignite illumination” are the words that most appeal to me, since “ignite” means “set a fire” that may be seen (which is how we ordinarily think of “illumination”), but could also refer to something heard, as in “ignite a firecracker.” There is, however, a subtle contrast between the assonance of vowels in “ignite illumination” and the alliteration of consonants in “conspicuous consumption.” The fire of wisdom rarely makes a din as does conspicuous consumption. The spending of resources in thought isn’t noisy! You weave a lovely tapestry of no conspicuous sounds, but many that are suitably paired throughout the poem. And you suggest in the first line (rejecting “bigger, better”) that this will be your method. “True Worth” would be worth analyzing on several levels, with the same care you gave to writing it.
Ms. Coats,
Your intellect inspires me greatly, and the time that you have taken to analyze my work is an effort that I greatly appreciate.
Thank you for your endorsement of my writings.
Margaret, your poem speaks to my heart and soul and puts me in mind of Sir Edward Dyer’s “My Mind to Me a Kingdom Is” – a poem that taught me the values in life at the tender age of twenty. The older I get, the more I understand the value of the priceless gifts that surround us, and your beautiful poem reminds me of just that. Thank you!
Thank you , Susan, for your meaningful comments. It is interesting that “knowledge” is something that can be taught through instruction, but wisdom is an internal processing.
This is excellent reading, Margaret, and very well expressed. In the last stanza one can feel some of St. Paul’s exasperation in “For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.”
Thank you for the positive feedback, Morrison!