I Am Amongst the Richest of Men.
For my children –Daniel, Catherine, Benjamin and Timothy- and for my wife, Diana, the source of all my wealth.

There once was a time when I was poor,
when my house was dim and empty,
when wind rattled through my empty vaults
with a bleak insistent constancy.

But I am amongst the richest of men,
my vault has wealth untold,
my treasury is full of sparkling things
and I dwell in a palace of gold.

My wealth is based on four unique pillars,
from one quarry cut but standing discretely,
and now I declare that I love each one
completely, fervently and equally.

Did I once fear that this wealth must leave
and the cold, empty wind could blow again?
No! Time has wrought the hoped-for change;
this wealth — my children —  have become my friends.

For my wealth is not in things that rust,
or moth can corrupt, or thief can steal,
for I am rich in care, hope and love,
in all the deep things the heart can feel.

So I value but little success or fame,
or any of the trinkets for which men lust.
Compared to the things in which I am rich
they are not much more than worthless dust.

So I am amongst the richest of men,
my vault has wealth untold,
my treasury is full of sparkling things
and I dwell in a palace of gold.
​