Hildegard of Bingen, bronze sculpture by Karlheinz Oswald‘True Worth’: A Poem by Margaret Brinton The Society August 7, 2025 Beauty, Poetry 10 Comments . True Worth Her thoughts do not align with “bigger, better”; A humble mode of living suits her fine. The waning years of life bring contemplation Of what defines a “wealth.” What draws the line? It’s not to say material things don’t matter; Advantages and travels she has known. While pleasures in a life deserve attention, It’s Wisdom that’s the greatest wealth to own. Excessive greed evolves into obsession; Conspicuous consumption makes a din, But thoughtful search ignites illumination As Wisdom plants its firmest roots within. . . Margaret Brinton has lived in San Diego’s inland valley area for over forty years where she taught and tutored. Her poems have recently been published in California Quarterly and Westward Quarterly and The Lyric with upcoming work in the greeting card industry. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. ***Read Our Comments Policy Here*** 10 Responses Roy Eugene Peterson August 7, 2025 Margaret, I am rapidly becoming a fan of your poetry. So clear, so crisp, so well written and so well-defined. The message of wisdom planting its roots within is both important and needed. Loved your poem. Reply Cheryl Corey August 7, 2025 The line, “Conspicuous consumption makes a din” stands out for me; and you have a point when you equate wisdom with wealth. Reply Paul A. Freeman August 8, 2025 Wordsworth pointed out that ‘Getting and spending we lay waste our powers’, and you have expanded on this wonderfully, Margaret, by examining true wealth in these times of want and the ultrarich. Thanks for the read. Reply Margaret Brinton August 8, 2025 To Roy and Cheryl and Paul. Thank you all! It feels good to have your approval and support. And thank you always to Evan for his brilliant addition of images, photos and art. Reply Margaret Coats August 8, 2025 Not only is this a wise woman’s message, Margaret, it’s set forth with wise use of poetic elements. “Ignite illumination” are the words that most appeal to me, since “ignite” means “set a fire” that may be seen (which is how we ordinarily think of “illumination”), but could also refer to something heard, as in “ignite a firecracker.” There is, however, a subtle contrast between the assonance of vowels in “ignite illumination” and the alliteration of consonants in “conspicuous consumption.” The fire of wisdom rarely makes a din as does conspicuous consumption. The spending of resources in thought isn’t noisy! You weave a lovely tapestry of no conspicuous sounds, but many that are suitably paired throughout the poem. And you suggest in the first line (rejecting “bigger, better”) that this will be your method. “True Worth” would be worth analyzing on several levels, with the same care you gave to writing it. Reply Margaret Brinton August 9, 2025 Ms. Coats, Your intellect inspires me greatly, and the time that you have taken to analyze my work is an effort that I greatly appreciate. Thank you for your endorsement of my writings. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant August 9, 2025 Margaret, your poem speaks to my heart and soul and puts me in mind of Sir Edward Dyer’s “My Mind to Me a Kingdom Is” – a poem that taught me the values in life at the tender age of twenty. The older I get, the more I understand the value of the priceless gifts that surround us, and your beautiful poem reminds me of just that. Thank you! Reply Margaret Brinton August 9, 2025 Thank you , Susan, for your meaningful comments. It is interesting that “knowledge” is something that can be taught through instruction, but wisdom is an internal processing. Reply Morrison Handley-Schachler August 18, 2025 This is excellent reading, Margaret, and very well expressed. In the last stanza one can feel some of St. Paul’s exasperation in “For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.” Reply Margaret Brinton August 18, 2025 Thank you for the positive feedback, Morrison! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ
Roy Eugene Peterson August 7, 2025 Margaret, I am rapidly becoming a fan of your poetry. So clear, so crisp, so well written and so well-defined. The message of wisdom planting its roots within is both important and needed. Loved your poem. Reply
Cheryl Corey August 7, 2025 The line, “Conspicuous consumption makes a din” stands out for me; and you have a point when you equate wisdom with wealth. Reply
Paul A. Freeman August 8, 2025 Wordsworth pointed out that ‘Getting and spending we lay waste our powers’, and you have expanded on this wonderfully, Margaret, by examining true wealth in these times of want and the ultrarich. Thanks for the read. Reply
Margaret Brinton August 8, 2025 To Roy and Cheryl and Paul. Thank you all! It feels good to have your approval and support. And thank you always to Evan for his brilliant addition of images, photos and art. Reply
Margaret Coats August 8, 2025 Not only is this a wise woman’s message, Margaret, it’s set forth with wise use of poetic elements. “Ignite illumination” are the words that most appeal to me, since “ignite” means “set a fire” that may be seen (which is how we ordinarily think of “illumination”), but could also refer to something heard, as in “ignite a firecracker.” There is, however, a subtle contrast between the assonance of vowels in “ignite illumination” and the alliteration of consonants in “conspicuous consumption.” The fire of wisdom rarely makes a din as does conspicuous consumption. The spending of resources in thought isn’t noisy! You weave a lovely tapestry of no conspicuous sounds, but many that are suitably paired throughout the poem. And you suggest in the first line (rejecting “bigger, better”) that this will be your method. “True Worth” would be worth analyzing on several levels, with the same care you gave to writing it. Reply
Margaret Brinton August 9, 2025 Ms. Coats, Your intellect inspires me greatly, and the time that you have taken to analyze my work is an effort that I greatly appreciate. Thank you for your endorsement of my writings. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant August 9, 2025 Margaret, your poem speaks to my heart and soul and puts me in mind of Sir Edward Dyer’s “My Mind to Me a Kingdom Is” – a poem that taught me the values in life at the tender age of twenty. The older I get, the more I understand the value of the priceless gifts that surround us, and your beautiful poem reminds me of just that. Thank you! Reply
Margaret Brinton August 9, 2025 Thank you , Susan, for your meaningful comments. It is interesting that “knowledge” is something that can be taught through instruction, but wisdom is an internal processing. Reply
Morrison Handley-Schachler August 18, 2025 This is excellent reading, Margaret, and very well expressed. In the last stanza one can feel some of St. Paul’s exasperation in “For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.” Reply