Blood Money

Red cents fill the coffers of the rich.
It is the blood and sweat of others,
yet, no longer enough, no longer enough,
worthless as the silver-less lie of a dime.

It is the blood and sweat of others
melted with base metals, base morality,
worthless as the silver-less lie of a dime
not filling the hollow holes of their souls.

Melted with base metals, base morality
a growing virus among the bone weary, 
not filling the hollow holes of their souls,
both, rich and poor, suckle an empty teat. 

A growing virus among the bone weary,
yet, no longer enough, no longer enough,
both, rich and poor, suckle an empty teat,
red cents fill the coffers of the rich.



**re-vised ;) hope it's clearer!
*an unrhymed Pantoum
  Poet: Debbie Guzzi
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Ryerson Avatar
September 29, 2012 at 5:27 PM
Yep! You nailed it, cher!...Worked my skinny little ass off all my life and hardly got a 'red cent' to show for it! (or even a brown one for that matter) SOMEBODY got it...just can't figure out who...congrats on the win - Tim
Macmillan Avatar
September 27, 2012 at 8:18 PM
The poem blew us away, hon. Sorry for getting here so late! Replying to all the winners tonight.... chaos on the homefront and I am hoping that "Goldie" our new fish will help with sleeping. Goldie is a purple Beta who lives in a lovely glowie magic aquarium (LED lights and bubbles) Now, back to you. Fantastic insight, your delivery and the cohesion is what sent this to the top. Hugs, Chum... Dee
Patrikar Avatar
September 26, 2012 at 9:24 AM
congratulations :)
Brown Avatar
September 26, 2012 at 5:17 AM
A belated congratulations on your win in Rhonda and Cyndi's "Penny Pantoum" contest contest Debbie. Love, Carol
Richards Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 5:11 PM
A commentary on the way it has always been......what a genius take on this contest theme....and you nailed it so beautifully!! Congratulations are well deserved! :)
Kendrick Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 3:16 PM
Congrats on your winning work..Sara
Poet Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 11:12 AM
An excellent pantoum here Debi.Congrats on your BIG win!This goes to my FAVS.
Sweetheart Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 9:43 AM
CONGRATS BIRTHDAY GIRL ON A BIG FIRST PLACE WIN LUV ..
Grisetti Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 9:28 AM
A powerful statement in your winning pantoum. I like this form and am trying to use it more often. Thanks for your great example.
Gasun Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Wow! Tremendously beautiful pantoum! It speaks absolutely the truth. MY HUGE HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRAND/FIRST WIN MY DEAR DEB!!! HUGS:) Leonora
Gorelick Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 7:23 AM
Maybe the best poem of your that Ive read..congrats on a big win. BG
Horsman Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 2:55 AM
the judges got this right Deb, a wonderful example for me to keep and learn from...
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
September 25, 2012 at 12:59 AM
Big congratulations Debs , well deserved xx
Richards Avatar
August 9, 2012 at 9:06 AM
I have been missing too many of your poems..........which I can see is my own misfortune. Always deeper and rich with worthy and thoughtful lines. This is no exception. :)
Palmer Avatar
August 7, 2012 at 12:01 PM
great write Debbie,so much blood shed to acquire wealth
Bordner Avatar
August 6, 2012 at 11:01 PM
I respect your word,concept arrangements - nice duality with "red cent" too - charity,hope,beauty,the many forms they may manifest - with respect, J.A.B. %
Cohan Avatar
August 6, 2012 at 2:51 PM
see, so much of my time is spent wasting time that i lose track of time so i don't know when it's time to read a poem as intricately and insightful as this one..sorry debbie, that i've missed a lot of your great poetry because i'm being beaten up by the homeless in hell....but i'll go back a few...you do have a wondrous way with words girl...your phriend and phiend PHREEPOETREE ~free cee!~
Poet Avatar
August 6, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Very good Pantoum by you Debi.Enjoyed reading it.
Williams Avatar
August 6, 2012 at 11:30 AM
DEbbie, I like this form and this poem, blood money is right, if for the contest, good luck...David
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