Tuesday, January 15, 2008

life's treasures----Writers Island



Tapping with his fingers, he was calculating mentally
He was not the paper and pencil kind of person
He did most of his computations within the confines of his mind
It exasperated those who lived with him
No chalked out plans, no clear cut goal
What had he really done in his whole lifetime
He had not amassed wealth, not the kind, which shows achievement
He had no family, no home, nothing/no one he could call his own
He only had a small tiny space where he slept
Clothes on his back and then some.
He had not had to ask any one anything
He did not need those, not from where he came from
He let people think what they wanted to
Was he wasting away his education, his share of the family fortune

Loud laughter broke his reverie. He shook his head.
He looked at those children playing happily in their break from studies
He had used his means well. Spending it the right way
He owed it to the world and its people
Making a life for those homeless kids was the best treasure one could amass

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Once again you excel!

Anonymous said...

I agree, its a treasure indeed!

totomai said...

definitely a treasure. well presented and summarized in prose/poem entry. thanks for the read.

Rambler said...

Choosing the road less traveled and finding the treasure, he was "educated" for sure

x said...

Would that more of those with wealth chose such treasures.

aMus said...

gautami, this was a treasure of a different kind indeed...something which i wish more of us would amass...

As usual, u have a produced a gem...

Tumblewords: said...

And, yes, that's a true treasure! Nice work...

Beau Brackish said...

Defining wealth and treasure on our own terms, to enrich our souls not our egos and checkbooks. Absolutely lovely poem. Your pen is a true treasure.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful. Well-written. Had me wondering where it was going right up to the last line.

Unknown said...

This is truly lovely, thank you. A real gem!

Crafty Green Poet said...

yes that's real treasure

rel said...

gautami,
Kindness and service to others, what greater treasure can there be?
rel

Anonymous said...

Yes, I so agree that treasure is not found in tangibles.

paris parfait said...

Yes, truly a wonderful treasure - giving of oneself to help those less fortunate. Great poem!

Forgetfulone said...

Beautiful poem, and I loved your take on the topic. Definitely treasure!

paisley said...

here here!!!! that was wonderful....

chicklegirl said...

The ending surprised me--I loved it!

Anonymous said...

Very, very nice. It has an entire sensory pace to it. A quiet satisfaction and charm.

Preethi said...

Wow.. it was so beautiful.. and the end was truly touching!!

Mary Timme said...

That is love in action and that is indeed treasure!

boneman said...

so, as it turns out, I've been studying various religions of the world, and as I was studying Buddhism, I found out that the guy's name (the one who got it all started) (Buddhism, not all religion...) was Gautama, and well, I was wondering if you're related to the guy?

(no. not really)

Liked your poem, gal. Kind of a "cliffhanger" without the violence.

Keith's Ramblings said...

Once again you've shown us how it's done. This piece is treasure itself.

Linda Jacobs said...

I just love the way you show in your poems as opposed to telling! I really enjoyed this one!

Tammy Brierly said...

This makes me feel even worse about my topic. True treasure indeed!

XXOO

Anonymous said...

Lovely! Well done!

Pauline said...

You always manage to hook me and then surprise me. Loved this one!

Lucy said...

Teaching needy children. What a true treasure. very delightful poem. :)

Julia Phillips Smith said...

'He was not the paper and pencil kind of person
He did most of his computations within the confines of his mind
It exasperated those who lived with him'

I love that - I'm just the same! Really nice take on the concept of 'treasure', Gautami.

WithinWithout said...

Wow, Gautami.

Elegant and clever...leaves me wanting to know more about who he is, what he's about...

Anonymous said...

Very touching treasure and very well done!

Fenny

Prats said...

so touching, that a treasure such as this can be worded out, and you have done so....

Rethabile said...

That's the best treasure, Gautami. And you say it so well.

sage said...

I like the message here! very good.

little wing writer said...

it is a beautiful gesture to give all one has for the benefit of others...and you have portrayed it beautifully

Anonymous said...

Like the way you did this - And yes, this must be the best treasure!