THE "GODS" OF FOOLS

Stocks and bonds and RRSP's,
Mutual funds and GIC's,
Gold and silver, fine, sterling and plate,
And then, of course, there's real estate;
Rubies and diamonds and emeralds - jewels -
The things of earth, the gods of fools;
This wealth that so many think they need
Is the root of evil and lust and greed.
Those that have it want still more
Even though ample they have in store,
And those that lack it wish they had,
Thinking that riches can make them glad,
But in riches happiness cannot be found; —
Money does not make the world go round.
Those with money are afraid they'll lose it
So they hoard it up and do not use it
To help those who cannot help themselves,
To put food upon poor people's shelves;
They invest, with the goal of reaping gain,
In coal and oil and steel and grain,
In whiskey and gin and beer and wine,
For profit is the bottom line.
Lord, help me not get too concerned
About the money I have earned
But help me, Lord, to clearly see
That it is a blessing, Lord, from Thee,
For Thou hast said Thou wilt provide
For those who will in Thee abide.
Help me to live, Lord, by Thy rules
And to worship not the gods of fools.

a. franklin staples

December 10-12, 1993

Copyright © 1993 by A. Franklin Staples