Notes About The Poem

Degrees of Poverty

Degrees of Poverty

“How will my vow of perpetual poverty
Cure the absolute poverty-stricken?
Or shall I give to the relative poor,
So they may exercise a standard of living
Until my riches vanish through their greedy intentions?

“And why place this yoke on my salvation?
Will being less fortunate make one spiritually inclined?
Are not the needy prone to blame God for their position
As the jealous rich hoard and share not their possessions?”
The rich young man steadfastly remains, unflinching.

Then pleads the ruler, seeking eternal life
From the Son of Man, Jesus Christ.
“If not you, then who is good?”
But he is rebuked by the Lord for his chatter.
Saddened, he refuses the call to follow the Saviour
But faces Him with sorrow and says,
“Do you take me for a fool
To give away my riches for you?”

Instead of asking Christ for forgiveness,
He asks what he must do to enter heaven.
Then, Jesus responded to his disciples, saying
That eternal life is only possible through Him
And earthly possessions can hinder entrance.
                              ***

References:
Matthew 19:16-30 (Parable of The Rich Young Man).
Mark 10:17-31 (Parable of The Rich Young Man).
Luke 18:18-30 (Parable of The Rich Young Ruler).
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Baker Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 10:25 AM
Great retelling of the parable through your poetry, Dennis. I enjoy your thoughts on the matter. Bill
Spilchuk Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 7:11 PM
"The old and new testaments are rich in poetics and thoughtful expression. Thank you for your kind words."
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