Premiere Contest WinnerThe Millionaire's Club

Down past the meadow is the grand old hotel.
Where statues of marble encircle the ponds
Tall cypress line up like soldiers at arms,
saluting each limo that comes down the hill

Limousines arrive daily, like vultures of prey, 
to stop and eject their catch of the day
There is proof on arrival, of fortune and assets.
Hosts greet each guest, as the day stretches on, 
sporting long coat-tails and red satin vests

As we watched from our hillside, from a vast world away,
we're inclined to walk down, to take a survey 
Too rich for our blood!   We are flooded with awe
Yet, we're drawn to peek in.  Where the rich wine and dine
and we will try, most discreetly, to blend into grey.
Alabaster stone gates, and the thick sculptured stairs
are reeking affluence, that we'll never share
__
Heading back to our campground, on the river's west side,
we returned to our tent, tucked under the pines
It's been faded by sunlight, patched together with twine
Where contentment is canvas, and the wind is a song,
and where water makes music, and the breeze is a poem

Our belongings are in order, (in a disorderly way)
A camp-stove, a lantern, for the end of the day
A tent, (army surplus)…. and a stack of dry wood
will add to our comfort, as well as it should
Would we want to change places, if ever we tried?
Would we trade all our moonscapes, or the chipmunks, or tunes?

As we sat by the fire, to remember our day
We have watched the bright embers, as they floated away
Pinpricks of fire that mixed with the stars
We've been granted our millions, ….while owning the sky.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
April 3, 2018 at 10:26 AM
Enjoyed reading your creative work. Way to go lady. Well, we would all like to have enough to live comfortably to not to excess. Congrats on your win. Sara
Gentry Avatar
March 31, 2018 at 12:24 PM
Congratulations on your win. I could see the whole thing, wonderful imagery. Wanted to be around the camp with you!
Neumann Avatar
March 31, 2018 at 5:42 AM
Congratulation son your big win. Well deserved, I think. I also prefer camping to mansions and true value to money. Many wishes, Kai
Poteet Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 11:47 PM
Salutations, foursquare. Beautifully written with flair. This "millionaire" must share, When we put our humble abode on the market late last July, we had two offers the next day and we signed the papers, Sept. 6th. ...while the $900,000 estate, three miles away, is still up for sale eight months later and no visible signs PENDING.
Roper Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 9:29 PM
Great write, Carrie, congratulations on your win! Have a wonderful Easter Hugs Eve
Gupta Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 9:05 PM
Life in beautiful images in your poem ... Congratulations on your top win, Carrie ...
Lou Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 8:12 PM
Fantastic pen! Congrats!!
Canerdy Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 7:42 PM
I LOVE it! BIG congrats, Carrie! Janice
Gauthier Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 7:21 PM
What a surprising take on this challenge. Beautifully done, Carrie. Awesome poem. Congrats on your top win.
Haight Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 4:09 PM
Carrie, what a wonderful way you have used these two prompts of 'burlap and satin' to contrast the power of money with man-made, superfluous acquisitions against the fulfilling and comforting gifts of being one with nature. Congratulations on your well-deserved Trophy win! I am 'Faving' your poem! Hugs, Sandra
Richards Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 5:06 PM
Thank you for your generous comment, Sandra. Your poem was wonderful, and I'm so glad to see you placed high as well. Thanks for your kindness!
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 4:01 PM
This is excellent, Carrie! The contrast between the first and second parts of the poem is very striking. The ending is awesome. ~ Congratulations on placing first! Regards // paul
Richards Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 5:05 PM
Thank you very much Paul. Your opinion means a lot to me :)
Delaney Avatar
June 13, 2016 at 7:53 AM
Congratulations Carrie: Nature's beauty is worth all the wealth in the world. A priceless sky. Love the way you write
Richards Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 5:03 PM
What a lovely compliment, thank you Suzanne!!
Inman Avatar
June 10, 2016 at 8:18 AM
Carrie, you've created a scene of beauty that tranquilly guides us through a lesson of what is truly valuable in life.
Dietrich Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 6:53 PM
this has a most wonderful MESSAGE in it, Carrie and that last line is a standout. One that you chose wisely to do to appeal to Timothy's love of nature. BIG congrats.
Chansarkar Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 2:54 PM
Beautiful poem! "owning the sky" is superb! congrats Carrie!
Kimathi Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 10:21 AM
Hi Carrie. Congrats for your top placement with this awesome piece!! ;-)
Lamoureux Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 8:01 AM
I so enjoyed this one. Congratulations.
Smith Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 7:40 AM
Congratulations Carrie, wonderful rhythm in your storytelling. Most deserving high placement...
Hicks Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 12:27 AM
An incredibly engrossing narrative, quite vivid in its vision. One can be so much richer in the surrounding of a breathtaking starlit night versus material wealth. Having gone 80 miles through the Saw-tooth Mountains, I can say I've felt that last line deeply. Congrats on 2nd place! Come check out my blog, if you get the chance, and tell me about your poem :)
Jordan Avatar
June 4, 2016 at 2:28 PM
Carrie, I have missed your writing for it is breathtakingly beautiful. The question you pose is a very interesting one. Trade simplistic beauty for wealth and comfort. Your friend always, Michael
Nance Avatar
June 1, 2016 at 4:08 PM
I'm a happy camper, I'd stay on my side of the river. This was an enjoyable read, the thoughts and dreams of dreamers, with reflections from both sides. Good write Carrie :)
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