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Riches
by
Edgar Guest


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If I can leave behind me here and there
A friend or two to say when I am gone
That I had helped to make their pathways fair,
Had brought them smiles when they were bowed with care,
The riches of this world I'll carry on.
If only three or four shall pause to say,
When I have passed beyond this earthly sphere,
That I brought gladness to them on a day
When bitterness was theirs, I'll take away
More riches than a billionaire leaves here.

This poem is in the public domain.


Edgar Guest (1881 - 1959)  was born in England,  but moved with his family to Detroit, Michigan, when he was ten years old. He worked for more than sixty years at the Detroit Free Press, publishing his first poem at the age of seventeen, then going on to become a reporter and columnist whose work was featured in hundreds of newspapers around the country. Edgar is said to have written some 11,000 poems during his lifetime, most of it sentimental, short, upbeat verse. Critics often derided his work, but America adored him. He was known as the "People's Poet," served as Michigan's poet laureate, hosted a long-running radio show and TV show, and published more than twenty books.

 


Post New Comment:
Wilda Morris:
I love the spirt of Edgar Guest's poems! He wanted to make life better for others and he did so with his writing. I trust he also did so in other ways.
Posted 12/08/2023 08:10 AM
Adriana:
judging by this poem, I think the critics were wrong - what fault can possibly be found in such perfect rhythm and rhyme and pleasant sentiment
Posted 12/06/2023 06:12 PM
carlpalmer:
I enjoy the rhyme and rhythm counting syllables of this poem's fixed form.
Posted 12/06/2023 01:27 PM
Anastasia:
An inspiring thought. Thank you for all the joy you bring to all of us, Jayne!
Posted 12/06/2023 12:47 PM
cork:
I grew up in Detroit reading Edgar Guest in the local newspapers. He has influenced my own poetry.
Posted 12/06/2023 09:35 AM
David:
Mr. Guest is getting his wish as this poem is bringing gladness to our day.
Posted 12/06/2023 08:18 AM
Larry Schug:
A little poem packed with good advice.
Posted 12/06/2023 07:54 AM
Joan Luther:
Friends are true gold!
Posted 12/06/2023 07:36 AM
mail@schoolbusmart.com:
Very nice as usual from Edgar Guest. And you clear our pathways and bring gladness, a richness that you may carry with you, Jayne. Randy Mazie
Posted 12/06/2023 07:33 AM


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