Rich Man, Poor Man

Rich Man, Poor Man

 

 

 

spoil me in pool’s foolish

spoils,

with fool’s gold pools

of trash bubbles

and tainted chlorine crates

on an old freight train

riding the rails of monotony

to a bitter end

 

i hear the whistle trying to wake me

trying to shake me conscious

but box car dreams

make me a sleeping hobo

riding the rails of autonomy

begging to be different

and live to a bitter end

 

at least having hitched a ride

to freedom

 

that blue pool water

entices

the fool’s gold pool's

enrichment 

in sinful spoils

while others are different and beg

to the bitter end

 

all i ask, is if there is room for me

in that box car dream

a place where i can ride for free

 

uniquely me

in my own harmony.

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

9/25/19

Reviews

[kentuck14]

J,
Interesting to me that my daughter just told me that chlorine can cause hypertension. Interesting train of thought in this piece. Some prefer to ride the rails of freedom from materialism, while others prefer to bathe in the blue water of materialistic hedonism. So . . . maybe the rich get more headaches that bohemians??!!
T

[jacob erin-cilberto]

maybe....i like this reply...thanks for sharing...
j.

[Rhayne]

Well, I know about the poor side of life and as my Dad always said, "if you don't have hope, you won't have anything. So dream big." I've sat back and watched the lifestyles of the rich and what occurred to me was, they buy what they want when they want, what's to hope for, what's there to dream about? I don't think love comes easy to the rich and some have a hard time recognizing it when it does. The Hobo is kind-hearted, intellectual and free. God will take care of him.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

love what you said about the hobo...and yes, been there and done that...one paycheck away from the streets...for 20 plus years...thank you for your kind and insightful review, Rhayne.
j.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Rich man, poor man … they each find happiness where they can. One lives, able to better afford his dream, while the other lives, dreaming. Dreams worth having, that really mean something, are those that don't cost a dime.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i totally agree...don't cost a dime and mean more than anything money could buy.
thank you for your insightful words, Linda.
j.

[Dave Brown]

the story is that a rich man is content with his all, but I am inclined to think a bit of hard cash wouldn't hurt too much either

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your read and words, Dave,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

The train of life is racing down the tracks to its final destination. A rich man is one that finds his wealth in love. A love which meets his needs, so he can live his days in perfect harmony. A poor man is one who settles for cheap thrills. That's where you took me with this one Jacob. Not sure if I am off the mark, but I am happy with my interpretation. Enjoyed the metaphors.

Have come back for another read of this one. A rich man is also one that can live his life on his own in perfect harmony and contentment. Happy to be himself.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like both of these interpretations, Chris.
thank you for your thoughtful review.
j.