Oil Wells in My Living Room

I am not one to covet wealth,

preferring riches such as health

to bless the lives of those I love.

I do not care for showy stones

or necklace chains that drip their gold,

but praise the gifts that nature brings

that raise my spirits when they're low.

Far greater valued than all gems,

grant me a sunrise washed in pinks,

a sunset swathed in purple hues,

vast oceans wrapped in turquoise blues

or stars that priceless wink in fun,

that spangle in the dark night sky

as I behold their majesty.

Or walking in a winding lane

while red kites circle overhead,

alive the hedgerows, leafy green

with poppies scattered randomly

in clusters with their silken skirts

of scarlet teased by gentle breeze.

These are the treasures I hold dear.

As long as I have eyes to see

that swell and stir the life in me.

I'll walk though I have wells of oil,

a pump out in my living room.

For precious is this fountain spill

and all the wealth I'll ever need,

dispelling any tides of gloom.

Author's Note

A Title Challenge set by another poet.

Reviews

[Neville]

Some folk just don't know how lucky they are, do they .. who really needs precious gems n other stuff when often, what lies write in front of their eyes is of far greater worth .. Values and associated perceptions well poemed here Chris.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Neville for diving in to the archives and giving this old poem an airing. Have a lovely sunny Monday.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

The slickness of oil makes life slippery just like the sheen of wealth and worldly goods blinds one to the real good stuff on earth. Our senses intact, our loved ones around us and the bounty of nature are blessings enough. Thank you for this gem, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dhara. Nature has many blessings.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

You are welcome Chris :)

[angel]

I did love this.
Never understood the lure of something like a diamond.
Pretty to look at, but a piece of cut glass is just as lovely, or a cubic zirconia.
You need expertise and a jeweler's loupe to tell the difference; why does the diamond cost thousands of dollars?
Give me a jar of sea shells any day.
The first time I went to the ocean, I was four.
I remember finding my first perfect shell. I showed it to my father and told him I wanted it.
He said, "Then take it home with ya, little one."
I was astonished that I could just take these lovely things home, for free.
Flowers, sea shells--a blade of grass! Wonderous and beautiful things, all wrought by the same heavenly Hands. The stars--millions of sparkling jewels strewn across a black velvet sky.
Thank you, God, for everything.
Very nice, an inspiring write, and true.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you angel for your words of wisdom. Happy you paid a visit. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Dave]

This is so true, so descriptive of those things that we should cherish far above those things that too many see as "wealth". Thank you for the beautiful reminder of the treasures we have to enjoy for free.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your lovely response Dave.

Chris

[Ana Papaya]

So good! I think you totally delivered on the challenge.
The poem was wonderful and I found myself nodding, yes. All of those things.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Ana. Pleased you approved.

Chris

[Lorry]

Its always the littlest, strangest things we cherish, which speaks volumes about the person you are, and who you are not. I still have yet to hear why diamonds are sought after, considering it has no use and is completely pointless I have a box of little things, keepsakes that would be the first thing I would grab in a fire. Im sure lots of other people would do the same.
You can't take it with you, so we should all enjoy the little things more...except small print :)

[Chris Shaw]

Much wisdom in your words Lorry. I share your words entirely. Always appreciate your visits :)
read moreMuch wisdom in your words Lorry. I share your words entirely. Always appreciate your visits :)

Chris

[barleygirl]

As the “baby” of a large poor family, my older siblings looked at what other people had & we didn’t . . . but I never saw those things. I didn’t even realize we were poor. Becuz of dad’s working in the parks department, we often lived in beautiful places where I hiked with my dog as if that were all the wealth in the world. Your poem does a great job of detailing all the ways it feels rich to me, living in the wilderness now (even tho I’m back to being poor becuz of injury). I love how you’ve thought of so many details I forget to include when I’m trying to paint my own scene! *smile* Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Hello lovely Margie. I am so pleased that you can relate so well to this poem. We never had much as children either, but we were brought up in the beautiful countryside, and I had all I needed and more. That has stayed with me throughout my life so far and will continue to do so. I feel truly at one with the natural world.

Fondest

Chris

[emipoemi]

.....And you nailed it! I have no words....my voice is in my awe! Well done!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you, pleased you enjoyed

Chris

[emipoemi]

my pleasure.

[Jade]

such a wonderful write here, very well written

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your second review of my work today. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Jade]

not a problem