My Net Worth

One day I decided to aggregate what I own
Realizing soon enough I couldn't count it all,
Though I never thought I had all that much
What I had was oddly beyond simple math.

Determined I was to know what I'm worth
And I knew the formula for how that works
So I added all assets and deducted liabilities
Yet, never could I derive the right answer.

My assets were tangible, so easy to add up 
But when I thought of lives I had touched
And receipt of generosity they bestowed,
I could not appraise the value of their love.

Swiftly I subtracted what I owed to others
Feeling proud of self for I didn't owe much
Till I took account of much that was given
Not expecting from me anything in return.

When I finally accepted futility of my effort
My worth resembled faces of my loved ones,
Not susceptible to any numeric computation
Well beyond the bounds of ordinary cognition.

January 3, 2019
Placed 2nd in Food for thought poetry contest by Silent One
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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12
George Avatar
February 17, 2022 at 3:13 AM
I just love this !Before assessing our worth, we have to find out what the assets of real worth are ! Definitely the ones we have touched, the love we have given and received and all those who encouraged and helped us and our dear ones will figure far more higher in value than all material wealth we have so far amassed. Splendid... this too into my Fav.
Proxenos Avatar
January 31, 2019 at 12:14 PM
Before even reading the comments and after having read your awesome poem, I knew you were a winner and, guess what I was right - absolutely impeccably penned poem. Great write Vijay - congratulations. Poetry hugs, Jennifer.
Pandit Avatar
February 2, 2019 at 5:00 PM
Thank you Jennifer.
Devonshire Avatar
January 19, 2019 at 7:29 AM
Let me add my belated congratulations as well. So well-deserved!
Pandit Avatar
February 2, 2019 at 4:59 PM
Thank you Carolyn.
Callus Avatar
January 14, 2019 at 7:46 AM
Belated congratulations on your very deserved top win, Vijay. The value of love and generosity is priceless, whether given or received. Regards // paul
Pandit Avatar
January 14, 2019 at 8:10 AM
Thank you Paul.
Devonshire Avatar
January 13, 2019 at 9:51 AM
Some of the things we have -- the intangibles -- are worth far more than our material possessions. And I like the way you also included what we owe to others in terms of kindnesses to repay. You have a kind heart, Vijay, and the wisdom of an "old soul." Beautifully penned! Hugs, carolyn
Pandit Avatar
January 14, 2019 at 8:10 AM
Thank you Carolyn.
Doll Avatar
January 11, 2019 at 10:30 AM
The last stanza says it all. Very well written, Vijay Warmest Wishes~ Warren.
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:53 AM
Thank you Warren.
Schiavina Avatar
January 11, 2019 at 9:19 AM
This is magnificent Vijay. Congratulations!
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:53 AM
Thank you Frances.
Carber Avatar
January 11, 2019 at 8:12 AM
Very nicely done, Vijay-- as a retired financial advisor, I agree 100% with your calculation of 'true wealth'-- congrats on your win!
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:52 AM
Thank you L.J.
Nicole Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 9:56 PM
Priceless!!! Indeed!! That, you are! I knew this already. :) Congratulations Vijay, on this win. ~ Brandy
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:52 AM
Thank you Brandy.
Sands Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 6:19 PM
Congratulations for your win Vijay :)
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:52 AM
Thank you Heidi.
Raven Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 5:59 PM
Hi Vijay, dropping by with my congratulations on your well deserved win in the contest. Have a wonderful Monday. Your friend always....Mike.
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:52 AM
Thank you Mike.
Andresen Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 1:33 PM
- A great win, congratulations, Vijay :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:51 AM
Thank you Anne-Lise.
Canerdy Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 1:30 PM
I'm back to say CONGRATS! Janice
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:51 AM
Thank you Janice.
Wolf Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 1:18 PM
This is such a profoundly moving write, Vijay. You are so right. It is impossible to measure what we owe others, as well as what we may have given. This is a FAVE for me. And congrats on your win in the contest too. Best wishes, Gershon
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:50 AM
Thank you Gershon...appreciate the kind remarks.
Y. Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 12:11 PM
I knew it was a winner. Congratulations on a well deserved win:-)Alexis
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:50 AM
Thank you Alexis.
May Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 11:35 AM
Congrats on your win Vijay..
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:50 AM
Thank you Joseph.
One Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 10:53 AM
A unique take on the contest, and flows so well.. We have no assets when we die, many people seem to forget that.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Pandit Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 7:49 AM
Thank you Silent One.
May Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 5:57 PM
Great write Vijay...Your calculations gives us food for thought...best wishes..
Pandit Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 7:06 AM
Thank you Joseph.
Kriticos Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 9:27 AM
Absolutely amazing Vijay! When I read the title I knew I was in for a treat and was not disappointed ! Thanks for sharing this!
Pandit Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 10:56 AM
Thank you Kyle..appreciate the visit and kind words.
Makama Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 9:23 AM
Forbes must read this... I cannot wait to be 100 worth more than Jeff Bezoz... Great right and yeah, there's actually no formula to know ones worth
Pandit Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 10:55 AM
You have right perspective on this..thank you for your visit and comments, Funom.
Michael Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 8:59 AM
It's a hard one to count...many life times after you're long gone...Happy 2019
Pandit Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 10:54 AM
So true..thank you Arturo. Appreciate the feedback.
Canerdy Avatar
January 4, 2019 at 7:50 PM
What a wonderful, moving poem! You're right--There's no reliable "formula" for determining one's worth! Janice
Pandit Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 7:33 AM
So glad to read your comments..many thanks, Janice.
Nicole Avatar
January 4, 2019 at 7:27 PM
I don't need math of any kind, to know your worth! Because, you are priceless. Such a clever way to express this. You are a winner, these words belong soaring along the clouds, beyond the stars. Thank you for being here, for being you. :) Brandy
Pandit Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 7:33 AM
Always a pleasure to read your generous feedback. Thank you Brandy for your visit and comments.
Onclaud Avatar
January 4, 2019 at 2:35 PM
TGIF, vijay...have a good weekned!...huggs
Pandit Avatar
January 4, 2019 at 3:27 PM
Thank you, Nette.
Y. Avatar
January 4, 2019 at 10:51 AM
WoW! Vijay, This is excellent for the contest theme. I found this to be "Food for thought" and some more. It was a deep and thought provoking write. I think you've penned yourself a winner . I wish you the best of luck in the contest:-) Alexis
Pandit Avatar
January 4, 2019 at 3:27 PM
Appreciate the feedback Alexis..many thanks.
12
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