Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

The Mansions of Rhode Island

Tour the mansions of Rhode Island
(And it doesn’t matter which)
And discover just how different
Life can be if you are rich.

Want to throw a little party?
Ask 400 of your friends
While your servants prep and coddle
For the fun that never ends.

Have some outfits made in Paris;
Order in the best champagne.
Bathe in water from the ocean.
(Watch the salt go down the drain!)

Walk on floors laid in mosaics;
Dance ‘neath crystal chandeliers.
Stroll through gardens planted solely
To outdo those of your peers.

Never mind the lowly rabble
Who are born to work and serve
For the really wealthy do believe
They get what they deserve.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Robert Johnson October 17, 2019 at 8:58 PM Ukkkh. It's all a bit much for me. But as usual, you tell the tale with such aplomb.

Gershon Wolf October 16, 2019 at 5:01 PM I like the edginess of this one, especially the last stanza! Give the snooty rich hell, Ilene! A FAVE for me. Thanks, gw

Robert L. Hinshaw October 14, 2019 at 6:20 PM Splendid write, Ilene - felt I was with you on the tour! Must be nice to live like that but its not the life for me. Thanks for taking time to read the Burma Shave roadside signs. I remember them very well. They were nailed on posts along nearly every road in Indiana where I grew up and it was fun to read verse of the Burma Shave "bards". Bob

Jan Allison October 14, 2019 at 12:18 PM Made me smile ilene, I wonder how the rich would react if they read your thoughts!:-) Hugs Jan xx Ilene Bauer October 14, 2019 at 4:50 PM i'm sure they would be very defensive, jan! as much as i enjoyed touring some of the mansions, their opulence was so over the top that i thought it was almost obscene...

Susan Ashley October 13, 2019 at 9:54 PM Ilene, I’ve visited quite a few mansions in Newport, R.I, and they are as spectacular as the stories that surround them - like having a tap for ocean water in your bathtub - the opulence of it! Your wonderful poem captures the essence of the gilded age very eloquently. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Line Gauthier October 13, 2019 at 9:28 PM Enjoyed your poem, Ilene.