Charade

CHARADE

           Life's mostly a game, said the poor man
That it is, said the rich man
           But I won in the end
Won ? But you are poor
I won  I am rich
           Ah alas how little you have read of the rules
           You are the one who lost
           I too have my riches
           and they are far greater than yours
I have credit in Zurich
           The Post Office cashes my cheque
I eat the finest venison of Europe
and drink the best Burgundy
           I eat only eggs
           and drink only milk
I have servants at my beck and call
No man is my master
           The animals in the fields are my only servants
           God is my only master
I live in a white mansion
           I live in a grey box
I am master of the game
You are just a pawn
I pity you
           You are the pawn
           I pity you
           I have my thoughts of peace
I am too busy making money
to think of peace
           I have the sun and the wind
           the songs of the birds
           the freshness of rain
           and the friendship of dogs
I have no time
for such as these
           I have riches in my soul
I have no soul
If I had   it has died
           I shall live when I die
When I die
the game will end

© GERALD ENGLAND

Composed: Glasgow, 5th May 1967

Publication

1991 New Wave (USA)