Best Poems Written by Hannah Hodges

I Bought the World

I bought the world. 
Can you see where the merchant likes to sit?
I wanted to buy, that strange thing that pearled.
I offered my heart 
but it wasn't enough.
So, I offered my spirit, 
for they should never be apart. 
But he would not trade for it.

The shady merchant offered me riches in gold.
envy of people, a life that was bold. 
"Please look away!" 
he said as my gaze fixed on the globe.
but I decided to say
despite the questions he would probe.

I could see deep into the ocean's waves
and smile at the creatures she saves. 
the lives that flutter and pass us by
the wings that soar and touch the sky!

I wanted it to be mine!
I offered my breath
I offered my Time
I offered my death!

"Give me a name." 
the Merchant requested.
"I have always been the same. 
But I want to be something new.
I want to be you."
that is when I knew.
I had been bested.
My name is yours to hold alone.
and then, my words turned to stone.

I traded and won.
now before my life is done 
remember the place where oceans waves curled?
In that place and when I was young, I bought the world.

Copyright © Hannah Hodges | Year Posted 2025