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A Poem About Being Rich
A thoughtful poem by Strickland Gillilan that reminds us true riches are not always measured by money.
When we think about being rich, we often think about having a large bank account, a beautiful home, or the freedom to buy whatever we want. But some of life's greatest treasures cannot be purchased. The love of family, good health, a happy home, and a grateful heart are blessings worth more than money.
In his poem Rich, Strickland Gillilan tells the story of a man who works for a modest wage. At first, someone wonders how he can possibly find happiness when he earns so little. But as the poem unfolds, we discover that this man has something far more valuable than a large salary.
His children greet him with love, his wife shares a happy home with him, and his family enjoys good health. He also takes time each day to thank God for what he has. What might appear to be an ordinary life is actually a life filled with blessings.
This poem encourages us to look beyond material possessions and appreciate the people and blessings already in our lives. May it remind you that being rich is not always about what we own, but about the love, gratitude, and happiness we share.
Updated October 10, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Rich
Poet: Strickland Gillilan
I knew he toiled for a modest wage,
As living costs in the present age.
And I asked myself, in accents grim:
"What can existence hold for him?"
One day when the afternoon grew late
I saw him enter a little gate,
Saw a baby, wild in its young delight,
Come running to him, with all its might,
Clasp him and kiss him and call him "Dad" -
Thus I caught a glimpse of the wealth he had.
And later I learned, convincingly,
That a true, contented wife had he;
That he owned the home where his loved ones dwelt;
That in quaint, old-fashioned way he knelt
Once every day, at the very least;
That he bowed his head o'er each humble feast
The good God gave; that they all had health -
So I knew he was blessed with boundless wealth.
Though still he works for a meager wage,
As living costs in this present age,
I ask no more, in accents grim,
What existence can hold for him.
He has done the things that men were made for;
Has what some men their souls would trade for -
What men of "wealth," unheard, have prayed for.
Key Reflections In This Poem
-
True Wealth Is More Than Money
A large salary does not guarantee happiness. Some of the greatest riches in life are found in love, family, and good health.
-
Family Is a Precious Blessing
The joy of a child and the love of a spouse can make an ordinary day special. These are treasures that money cannot buy.
-
Be Thankful for What You Have
The man in this poem takes time to thank God for his blessings. A grateful heart helps us recognize how much we already have.
-
Do Not Judge Others by Their Income
We cannot measure another person's happiness by the amount of money they earn. Someone with little money may enjoy a life filled with love and contentment.
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Conclusion
Strickland Gillilan's poem reminds us that we should never judge a person's happiness by the money they earn. The man in this poem may have had a modest income, but he enjoyed the love of his family, a happy home, good health, and a thankful heart. In so many ways, he was a wealthy man.
It is easy to look at what others have and wish for more. But when we stop and appreciate our own blessings, we may discover that we already have riches beyond measure. May this poem encourage you to treasure your family, be thankful for your health, and enjoy the simple blessings of each day.
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