''Oh, You Are Rich''

While it was raining heavily outside, 
Two children in shabby, tattered dress
Stormed into our glass roofed patio
And at the door, for mercy did pause

They said they were out to buy empty cans
To make a living and support their family
The only work they could do at their age
And it was not their intent to dilly dally

I was in no mood to entertain them
As my hands with pending works were tight
A week’s laundry and some shopping to do
But was rather indisposed to send them outright

As I looked onto their starved faces
I felt a hard tug deep from within
After a moment’s thought, when I invited them in 
In innocent mirth, their eyes did spin

When I brewed for them two cups of coffee
And gave some homemade snacks to munch
Their little faces bloomed in joy
As if savoring a favorite fruit punch.

All the while their curious eyes went
Flashing from nook to nook and every corner
On my well stacked shelves of china pottery
And the costly gadgets and the gas burner

When they were about to leave
They simply said- “Oh! You are rich!”
Of course a new revelation, it was to me
Something I had never thought over much

Yes, with a roof overhead
With enough means to feed my kids
And with a steady income every month
How rich I am compared to those hapless lads

Now, though many months have slipped by
I reiterate to myself what those children said
‘Oh! You are rich’ lest I shall ever forget again,
How rich I am and this thought keeps me ahead!

From that day onwards, never have I failed
To offer profuse words of thanks and prayer
To Him who has blessed me thus
With riches galore and a bounty to share!


Thanksgiving Blessings Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Regina McIntosh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
October 21, 2024 at 3:03 AM
I enjoyed reading this one. Sometimes we do forget to be thankful for the blessings of life. God is good to us in so many ways. Sometimes it is from the mouth of babies that we are reminded how much we have to be thankful for. Sara K
Goldsmith Avatar
December 14, 2021 at 11:33 AM
WOW!!! What a story/write. Many are rich but do not know it. They only want more. Be blessed each day with what you have. Give when you can. Giving will make you rich in heart. Have a blessed day..............
M  Avatar
November 29, 2021 at 1:14 AM
A very thought provoking and appreciative poem Valsa. I imagine you are a very kind person. Enjoyed. Debx
Kalita Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 10:01 PM
A blissful write on thanksgiving Valsa! Best wishes!
George Avatar
November 25, 2021 at 11:00 PM
Thank you so much you gifted Wordsmith !
Poet Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 8:27 PM
Valsa, you've submitted an absolutely brilliant contest entry submission. It appeals to me greatly. Thanks for your visit to my page.  Blessings and kindest regards
George Avatar
November 25, 2021 at 10:59 PM
Your heartfelt words of appreciation are greatly relished dear Lassad ! Thank you much ! Warm Regards!
Wolf Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 7:40 PM
Absolutely wonderful contest entry, Valsa. I really like it. It's all relative, after all. Blessings and Bounty, Gershon
George Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 8:16 PM
Thank you so much Gershon ! Glad you liked it !
Buhagiar Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 12:01 PM
How sad a picture you paint. ~~
George Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 8:15 PM
It was a sad but happy turned moment .... ! Thank you Victor !
Leffanta Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 10:51 AM
You are rich in what you can take with you . . . . Aloha!
George Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 8:14 PM
Hope so... ! Thank you Rico !
Ray Choudhury Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 6:18 AM
Dear Valsa, what a captivating story! I totally understand what you mean - those words from two needy children are so true! Many of us are comfortable, if not wealthy - but don't realize how fortunate we are! Your story is unique, told with so much empathy - is a wonderful lesson - to be always remembered! Love and best wishes ~ Mala
George Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 7:51 AM
Thank you so much Malabika for this lovely comment. Glad I am with a group of gifted poets who encourage me with empathy and understanding ! Each poem, I read here is a jewel ! Happy Thanksgiving !
Pandit Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 5:25 AM
You remain humble when life has given you much. Your story resonates my friend in act of goodwill. So much more to wealth in your heart than material things. I hear your gracious thanks, Valsa. Stay blessed!
George Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 5:37 AM
I am not rich in the ordinary sense, but rich in many ways and am ever thankful ! This is based on a real incident ! Thank you so much Vijay for sparing your precious time to read and encourage my simple verse. You must be still working ! I am retired and am not bound by the hands of time....! You are a great poet with a big heart !
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