Notes About The Poem

Group of People Holding Arms

What Matters Most

Is not my worth in what I own -
in real estate, big company,
nice home, fast car, prized jewelry,
investments that have grown?

Is not my worth in what I do -
the job I work, the sum I’m paid,
awards, promotions, deals I’ve made,
how nice the office view?

Is not my worth in art I make -
a poem or melodious line,
a bridge or building I design,
or photos that I take?

Is not my ideology,
morality, religious view,
pursuit of ethics and virtue
what matters most to me?

No, worth exists externally –
in God, my wife, my daughter, sons,
and friends. My worth is in the ones
I love and who love me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Gaul Avatar
May 12, 2020 at 7:51 AM
So well stated, so true but few live it. Thoughtful verse that we all should read to our families every so often. So it goes. Congrats on your high finish. Your work has merit.
Watt Avatar
May 12, 2020 at 1:50 PM
Greg, I appreciate you leaving your kind and thoughtful comment. Best wishes ~ John
Kauffman Avatar
May 10, 2020 at 11:31 AM
Amazing and profound, my friend. Love the way you threaded your theme into the beginning of each verse to its conclusion of the good and faithful friend, husband and father. Very nicely done! Congratulations on your top placement. Hope your wife has a wonderful Mother's Day. Blessings!
Watt Avatar
May 10, 2020 at 7:57 PM
Loved your comment today, my dear friend. You encourage me greatly with your careful reading and thoughtful comments. Happy Mother's Day!
Andresen Avatar
April 8, 2020 at 7:28 AM
- A meaningful poem written from the heart ... and I agree with you one hundred percent, John ... many thanks :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Watt Avatar
April 8, 2020 at 12:10 PM
Thank you for the lovely comment, Anne-Lise. It is indeed a blessing to be well-loved. Hugs ~ John
Zola-Zaba Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 8:45 AM
Yes indeed , one might have it all but without love it's just the same having nothing .Nicely articulated!
Zola-Zaba Avatar
April 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM
My pleasure The pandemic ain't as bad compared to heavily infected areas like Italy but my country is just as panic stricken as it recorded its first new cases and first death last week. But we are all hanging in there thank you for asking. Hope things aren't too bad on your side too and you are safe and well .
Watt Avatar
April 5, 2020 at 11:49 AM
Thank you for your lovely words, Rercy. How are things going in your part of the world? Hope you and your loved ones are staying well. Fondly, John
Dietrich Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 7:44 PM
Excellently expressed, John. This is what matters most to anyone with a heart, but it's all in how one delivers that message and you did it superbly! (I was gonna do the sonnet contest thing, but I better exercise before Joe comes home.) hopefully tomorrow!!!
Watt Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 7:52 PM
Thank you Andrea, your affirmation always brings a smile. I'm so glad your double etheree was deemed a #1 winner! It really was so creative, heartfelt and poetic.
Faulkner Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 3:46 PM
How life affirming, that last stanza pure gold - I believe love is the only thing that outlasts death - as close to perfect as I"ve seen on this site!
Watt Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 5:43 PM
Your words are amazingly uplifting, Michelle. Your comments always mean a lot to me, and I thank you for taking time to read and support your fellow poet. Hope you have a lovely weekend, my friend ~ John
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