STILL THE RICHEST MAN IN TOWN

I had this dream while growing up…that I’d be a millionaire

l’d live in a beautiful house, drive a fancy car…there’d be money everywhere.

 

I’d float through a life of happiness…I’d seldom wear a frown.

I’d have no reason to be sad because…I’d be the richest man in town.

 

It’s funny how life sometimes has other plans…how different dreams unfold

when on a teacher’s salary, now with a family…I put my initial dream on hold.

 

There were mouths to feed and bills to pay…facts I couldn’t deny

Now I dreamed of health and happiness with enough money to get by.

 

Yes, growing up I had this dream…as many young people do

but I never dreamed I could be happy if a different dream came true. 

 

My dream house isn’t as big nor my dream car quite as fancy…

but I found I do not care

I have a beautiful wife, a wonderful family…I have joy and love everywhere.

 

I’d like to tell you the exact moment when it happened…but I don’t think I can…

when the young boy’s dreams from long ago gave way to the new dreams of the man.

 

But this new dream I am living…I’ll be the first one to concede

has allowed me to float through a happy life…with everything  I need.

 

Which is why, after all these years…I seldom wear a frown…

because somehow, even though a different dream came true…

I’m still the richest man in town.



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S74rw4rd's picture

Have you read Edward

Have you read Edward Arlington Robinson's poem, "Richard Cory"?  Reading your poem reminded me of that one, which is one of the first poems I read in ninth grade when I hated poetry.  Your poem is much more lighthearted than Robinson's.


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