The Poetry Corner

A Millionaire

By Morris Rosenfeld

No, not from tuning-forks of gold Take I my key for singing; From Upper Seats no order bold Can set my music ringing; But groans the slave through sense of wrong, And naught my voice can smother; As flame leaps up, so leaps my song For my oppressed brother. And thus the end comes swift and sure... Thus life itself must leave me; For what can these my brothers poor In compensation give me, Save tears for ev'ry tear and sigh?-- (For they are rich in anguish). A millionaire of tears am I, And mid my millions languish.