Felix Dennis (†2014)

What’s It Like Then, Being Rich?

What’s it like then, being rich,

Knitting gold to warm an itch?

        Very much like being poor;

        Wealth is just a key — no more.

Why not share this magic key

To luxury — and start with me!

        Surely better that you earn it;

        Could I trust you to return it?

How does one become your ilk?

Is it bred in mothers’ milk?

        Many paths can lead to riches,

        Few in sunlight, most in ditches.

Wherein lies the difference

From us — this odd ambivalence?

        Envy, malice, obligations;

        Toadying from poor relations.

Grown far richer than his neighbour,

Why would any rich man labour?

        Wealth is salt in wine immersed,

        Quaffing but excites the thirst.

Salt my arse! It’s filthy greed —

How many homes does one man need?

        For some the trick’s in trading it;

        For others, in parading it.

I’ve seen. But surely, comfort pales

Perched on padded Chippendales?

        When affluence holds no surprise,

        Wonders come in other guise.

Aye, the eyes of tart and whore!

What might you miss, if you were poor?

        Time.  The luxury of choices.

        First editions.  Old Rolls-Royces.

Except his poems, I also recommend his great book on becoming rich http://www.felixdennis.com/books/how-to-get-rich/