Poems about money and finances explore the complex relationship between humanity and wealth. They explore the pursuit of riches, the allure of material possessions, and the consequences of a money-driven society.
These verses may criticize greed and materialism while reflecting on the sacrifices made for financial security. Poets use imagery and metaphors to highlight the fleeting nature of wealth and the deeper truths that lie beyond monetary pursuits. They urge readers to seek meaning and fulfillment beyond mere financial gain.
‘We Ain’t Got No Money, Honey, But We Got Rain’ by Charles Bukowski vividly portrays the chaotic Depression era with unfiltered realism.
This poem addresses the topic of money by vividly depicting the financial struggles during the Depression era. The poem highlights the absence of wealth amid relentless rain, portraying societal decay, foreclosures, and strained relationships. The scarcity of money becomes a central theme, reflecting the economic hardships faced by individuals and families.
‘Money, O!’ by W.H Davies is a poem that argues that having a lot of money is not all that it’s cracked up to be. While being well off financially comes with its benefits, it comes at the expense of genuine relationships.
This poem paints a picture of how a speaker once rich becomes poor by the turn of fate. Being a poor fellow, he realizes the real importance of life, happiness, and friends. When he was poor, he never knew how real joy tastes. But, now, when he has nothing to lose, he can find joy even in the simple things. The first stanza from W.H. Davies’ poem depicts throws light on this idea.
‘Velocity Of Money’ by Allen Ginsberg uses irony and satire to make a powerful critique on the forces of capitalism.
Money is really the central topic of the poem. It is the velocity of this paper, given arbitrary value, that consumes the speaker with overzealous excitement. Yet hidden behind their sarcasm is an intense apathy toward money that is just as insatiable. The poem leaves the reader with the sense that its permeance in our society is the reason for its degradation.
I’m delighted by the velocity of money as it whistles through the windows
of Lower East Side
Delighted by skyscrapers rising the old grungy apartments falling on
‘Worry About Money’ by Kathleen Raine follows a woman in a brief moment of her life as she attempts to figure our her next steps.
Money is a central topic in this poem and is also part of the title. In this poem, the narrator is out of money, which is a significant issue for her as she is unable to continue her work of helping others without any finances.
In ‘On a handful of French Money,’ Rossetti’s coins embody France’s diverse history, reflecting change, monarchy’s badge, and a soaring spirit with marred images.
The rhyme scheme of this piece is ABBAACCADEFFED and the overall poem is in iambic pentameter. Through this poem, Rossetti makes a statement about the function of art in the context of a world ruled by wealth.
‘No Man Without Money’ by Robert Herrick is a short poem that lucidly voices the belief that people only succeed because of chance and circumstance.
Money is a central topic within the poem, even if it is not explicitly mentioned therein. It is, however, mentioned in the title, which in turn informs the poem. The speaker implies the way those with money are the very same as those who might believe they have such "rare parts." The parallel reveals that wealth is also a product of "favour and occasion."
‘Those Annual Bills’ by Mark Twain is a humorously bleak poem that bemoans the insufferable and unsatiated onslaught of bills the speaker is confronted with each year.
Since Twain's poem concerns itself with their dislike of bills, it's understandable that it also concerns money. Whether a lack thereof or because of it, the speaker is clearly plagued by the relationship between spending money and the consequences of those costs. In this way, the poem could be interpreted as viewing money as a source of grief and bills one of the consequences.
Philip Larkin’s poem, ‘Money,’ is a powerful critique of the consumerist culture inherent in modern society through the personification of money itself.
This poem presents a conversation between money and a speaker. The poetic persona appears innocent in the case of money and materialism. He looks at what others are buying with money. In contrast, he feels their activities are quite absurd. They are running behind an idea that cannot even stay with them forever. In this way, Larkin taps on the theme of the futility of money.
Quarterly, is it, money reproaches me:
‘Why do you let me lie here wastefully?
I am all you never had of goods and sex.
You could get them still by writing a few cheques.’
‘The Complaints of Poverty’ by Nicholas James uses rhetorical devices and rhyme to give the rich a good look at how unpleasant it is to be poor. James indirectly challenges the stigmas associated with both wealth and poverty, inviting the rich to treat poor people with compassion, sympathy, and generosity.
If you've ever hear the phrase "money can't buy happiness," you may want to have a look at this poem and reassess. By taking a critical look at how the wealthy scorn and look down upon the poor, James reveals that the life of a poor man is incredibly miserable and hard.
‘Money’ by Robert Frost warns readers not to stress over every expenditure. This poem’s concise and eloquent use of rhyme makes a long lasting impression on the reader.
This is a short poem consisting of only five rhyming lines. All lines end with a similar rhyming. In this poem, Frost explores how we spend money. If one of us ever has the time to think about how their money was spent, they can understand its true importance.
‘How Things Work’ by Gary Soto is a moving poem that envisions an optimistic perception of the way people support one another through financial altruism.
Money appears to be the central topic of the poem. Soto offers a curiously optimistic view of transactions, one that chooses to see them as the compassionate funding of other people's lives. According to the speaker, things are held together not by money itself but by people's willingness to spend it on each other.
In ‘Money Madness,’ D.H. Lawrence shows how society’s obsession with money creates fear and unfairness. He urges us to provide food, shelter, and warmth for everyone, instead of letting money control us.
In 'Money Madness,' Lawrence focuses on how money affects people's lives and society. He shows that people are obsessed with money, letting it control their emotions and actions. This obsession causes fear, inequality, and mistreatment of the poor. Lawrence criticizes how society values wealth over human decency. He believes basic needs should be free for everyone and urges society to change its view on money.
But it is not money we are so terrified of,
it is the collective money-madness of mankind.
For mankind says with one voice: How much is he worth?
Has he no money? Then let him eat dirt, and go cold.–
Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘Money Talks’ gives money a bold and unapologetic voice, revealing how deeply it shapes people’s lives, decisions, and beliefs.
This whole poem is about money and how it acts like it runs the show. It speaks directly, like it knows it controls people’s choices and even their dreams. Money isn’t just something people use—it’s treated like a voice that’s always present, always talking. It shows how much power money has in everyday life, and how people listen to it more than anything else, even when they know it might be leading them the wrong way.
I am the authentic language of suffering. My cold, gold eye
does not blink. Mister, you want nice time? No problem.
I say, Screw You. I buy and sell the world. I got
Midas touch, turn bread to hard cash. My million tills
‘1968’ describes the aftermath of a raucous Hollywood party. Seidel works into this context a broader critique of sociopolitical realities.
This poem depicts a scene from the life of the affluent and famous. While it opts decidedly for irony and sarcasm as opposed to outspoken condemnation, there can be little doubt that the reader is not meant to find the images presented appealingly. This is interesting because, in the later stages of his career, Seidel would be accused, among other things, of flaunting his wealth and social status. It might therefore be worthwhile to consider what might have caused his departure from the stance evident in this poem.
Masters’ ‘Fiddler Jones’ highlights how following one’s passion, no matter what it is, is always worthwhile and helps lead a life without any regrets. As the title says, this poem is about a wayward fiddler devoted to his passion.
Money is a major theme in the poem, mainly through Cooney Potter's endless quest for more. Potter works hard to gain land and wealth, but it never makes him truly happy. Fiddler Jones, on the other hand, doesn’t prioritize money and chooses music and joy instead. This difference shows that money alone doesn’t bring true happiness. The poem suggests that finding joy and following passions are more important for a fulfilling life than just accumulating wealth.
Where is Old Fiddler Jones
Who played with life all his ninety years,
Braving the sleet with bared breast,
Drinking, rioting, thinking neither of wife nor kin,
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