Poems about wealth explore the allure and complexities of abundance, going beyond material possessions to delve into the richness of life’s experiences.
These verses contemplate the impact of wealth on human behavior, relationships, and the pursuit of happiness. They may portray the dichotomy of wealth and poverty, prompting reflections on societal disparities.
Poems about wealth may also celebrate the intangible treasures of love, compassion, and fulfillment that transcend material riches, reminding us that true wealth lies in the depth of our connections and the contentment found in simplicity.
‘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.
With no way to gain wealth other than through ceaseless labor and begging, the poor people that Nicholas James Depicts in this poem are truly imprisoned in a society that sees them as lowly, dirty laborers. Wealth could free them, but according to the poet, the rich are far too prideful to help a hard-working man put food on the table.
‘To a Millionaire’ by A. R. D. Fairburn critiques opulence, unraveling hidden guilt, moral decay, and inevitable downfall through vivid metaphors and striking imagery.
The poem delves into the topic of wealth, unraveling its dark underbelly. Through vivid metaphors, like woven curtains of blood and buried bones, A. R. D. Fairburn critiques opulence, exposing hidden guilt and moral decay. The poem navigates the consequences of unchecked wealth, painting a stark picture of societal decay beneath the facade of affluence.
Lord of our world, take off your velvet
mask. Remove your gentle glove, disclose
the claw-like hand, the dried blood under the nails,
‘A Roadside Stand’ by Robert Frost is a socially aware poem that explores the issues that face people living in the countryside with few financial means.
Wealth, or lack thereof, is one of the major issues facing those living in these rural areas. They don't have access to the same kind of resources and ways of gaining income that city dwellers do.
The little old house was out with a little new shed
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
‘Cargoes’ by John Masefield is an interesting, short poem showing how ships and their cargo have changed throughout history.
Wealth is a key topic in the poem, especially through the rich, exotic items on ancient ships like gemstones and fine spices. These treasures represent the luxury and prosperity associated with early trade. Masefield then contrasts these with the plain goods of the British industrial ship, signaling a shift in what wealth represents, as societies move from prized luxuries to practical, everyday items in the modern era.
‘We Lived Happily during the War’ reflects complex feelings of guilt for US foreign policy decisions through the lens of one individual.
In the poem’s later lines, Kaminsky links American wealth with the country’s role in global conflict, suggesting that financial comfort allows Americans to stay safe and undisturbed. The poem hints that this wealth acts as a shield, letting people live their lives while others face hardship due to the nation’s actions. This connection shows how comfort comes at a hidden cost elsewhere.
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.
Lawrence discusses the impact of wealth on society. He shows how people chase after money and let it define their worth. Wealth creates divisions and leads to the mistreatment of those without it. Lawrence is critical of how society places so much importance on money. He wants people to value human decency more than wealth.
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.–
‘On Easter Day’ by Oscar Wilde asks readers to consider how Christian teachings align with the modern-day Pope. It’s about the importance of not putting man-made desires and institutions ahead of God.
The poem shows the contrast between the wealth of the Pope and the poverty of Jesus. Wilde criticizes the Church for being too rich. He believes that true Christian leaders should not live in luxury. The poem questions if wealth is compatible with Christian values. Wilde wants the Church to focus more on helping the poor.
‘XXIV’ by Stephen Spender is a poem calling for radical change. By leveraging on strong values like love, the poet attempts to revolutionize an apparently collapsing capitalist system.
Wealth is a central topic in 'XXIV.' At the start, the poet criticizes those who chase it, then points out the collapse of the systems built around it. Spender’s political background helps readers see that his critique of wealth ties into a broader criticism of capitalism and its flaws. His focus on wealth highlights the social issues he believes are rooted in this system.
After they have tired of the brilliance of cities
And of striving for office where at last they may languish
Hung round with easy chains until
Death and Jerusalem glorify also the crossing-sweeper:
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.
Wealth is a contrasting theme in the poeam, shown through Cooney Potter's endless pursuit of land and money. Potter’s quest for wealth never brings him true happiness, highlighting the emptiness of focusing only on material success. In contrast, Jones doesn’t care much about wealth and focuses on what he loves, like music. This difference shows that wealth alone doesn’t guarantee a happy life. The poem emphasizes that true wealth comes from finding happiness and following your passions, not just accumulating money.
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,
‘Two Scavengers in a Truck, Two Beautiful People in a Mercedes’ by Lawrence Ferlinghetti explores wealth and class differences in the United States.
Wealth is presented not through numbers or facts, but through appearance and behavior. The couple in the Mercedes is dressed in clean, fashionable clothes and drives a luxury car. They look calm, polished, and disconnected from the world around them. The poem shows how wealth creates separation, even when people are only feet apart. This quiet comparison makes the reader question how society gives privilege to some, while ignoring those who work just as hard.
The legend of Faust is retold from the perspective of his wife, who helplessly watches as her husband descends into sin and greed after making a deal with a demon for power.
This poem is a retelling of the legend of Faust, in which the titular character sells his soul for wealth. 'Mrs Faust' explores the implications of this limitless wealth as well as how it corrupts Faust. Despite possessing great wealth, Faust's desire for it cannot be satiated as his reed overcomes him.
‘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.
In this poem, the speaker values a specific kind of wealth-- moral wealth. She feels a moral obligation to care for others and to continue to give, even when she has no money to do so.
‘Portrait of Zimri’ by John Dryden is a political satire that showcases how people in power can be consumed by hollow and pretentious self interest.
In this poem, Dryden describes Zimri as prideful, ambitious, greedy, and wealthy. Dryden mocks him and the way he uses his talent and wealth, contrasting Zimri with Absalom and Achitophel, the main conspirators against King David.
‘Summum Bonum’ by Robert Browning is a fairly straightforward and memorable poem about love and how it is far more important, and valuable than any beautiful summer day or shining gemstone.
One of the things that the speaker compares love to (or a single kiss to) is a gemstone. He writes that it contains the full beauty and wealth of a mine, but it is still nothing compared to the kiss he desires.
All the breath and the bloom of the year in the bag of one bee:
All the wonder and wealth of the mine in the heart of one gem:
In the core of one pearl all the shade and the shine of the sea:
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