“The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and how he treats people who can’t fight back.”― Abigail Van Buren
When we think of riches, we think of wealth and money as well as quality items. I want to write about those experiences that forge character. Good character can’t all be taught; most of it is learned out ‘in the field of life’- and we know that life can be a tough teacher. This poem is one view (not an exclusive one, I might add) of how negative circumstances can be “riches in disguise”- simply because they’re an opportunity to develop good character.
Is it eyes that rest on that which
does not glitter?
Or tongues that tastes
that which is bitter?
Could it be hands that
stroke a surface so rough?
Or ears hearing
insults so tough?However..whatever
We pray we recognise riches when they come
©Vivian Zems
Quadrille #80– Eat the Rich
Real Toads– The Tuesday Platform
May 20, 2019 at 10:22 pm
This is a thought provoking poem Vivian. And indeed, we do pray we recognize those riches.
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May 20, 2019 at 11:04 pm
I like the ending message and hope we recognize those riches when it comes.
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May 20, 2019 at 11:20 pm
I like the questioning in your quadrille, stirring up thoughts and perspectives. I think it can work either way…it is possible to find “riches” from our shortcomings and tragedies. A lot depends on attitude and I believe…support from others.
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May 20, 2019 at 11:33 pm
Yes indeed.
Happy Monday
much love…
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May 21, 2019 at 12:04 am
I like the questions in your poem Vivian. So true, so thought provoking.
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May 21, 2019 at 12:49 am
Like the perspective here Vivian. It is certain the difficult times are when lessons are learned and growrh occurs. Not much to learn from something perfect…
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May 21, 2019 at 12:56 am
Great thoughts and poem.
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May 21, 2019 at 1:03 am
We are in lesson our entire life. Truth and knowledge can emerge out of darkness and despair. But we will dig it, or understand it? Nice gadflying.
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May 21, 2019 at 2:35 am
I like where you went with this one, it makes the reader pause. I think we learn in the journey when we make mistakes and that enriches our life, we just need to clear our vision.
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May 21, 2019 at 4:10 am
So good. I know I don’t always recognize the riches, they are masked well.
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May 21, 2019 at 10:23 am
Thanks for the quotation, Viv, and the explanatory notes. I like the use of rhyme in your quadrille, like one of those Victorian moral verses the are thought-provoking. Sadly, many people these days are unable to recognise true riches.
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May 21, 2019 at 1:40 pm
This is absolutely gorgeous writing, Vivian! ❤️ I pray we recognize those riches too 🙂
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May 21, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Such a thoughtful prayer — I hope we all get to abide by its lesson. 🙂
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May 21, 2019 at 5:51 pm
….as well as the riches we already have…….so well said, Vivian.
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May 21, 2019 at 8:06 pm
You make a very good point here. Indeed…..we learn from mistakes, from other’s demands, from complaints, from a challenge……….we learn who we are by how we respond.
Sadly though, I do think some people live their hell on earth.
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May 21, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Some lessons can be painful… but we always grow as we learn…
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May 22, 2019 at 5:00 pm
There are blessings in each and every revelation of goodness in our lives, as I have aged I appreciate them more and more. Perfect poetry.
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May 30, 2019 at 6:51 pm
Lovely expression and so true, life experiences can mold us into much greater beings when we always look for the lessons and not run from them.
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June 11, 2019 at 8:12 pm
Thank you 🙏🏾
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