Don't mind being broke at all, <br />When I can say that what I had <br />Was spent for toys for kiddies small <br />And that the spending made 'em glad. <br />I don't regret the money gone, <br />If happiness it left behind. <br />An empty purse I'll look upon <br />Contented, if its record's kind. <br />There's no disgrace in being broke, <br />Unless it's due to flying high; <br />Though poverty is not a joke, <br />The only thing that counts is 'why?' <br />The dollars come to me and go; <br />To-day I've eight or ten to spend; <br />To-morrow I'll be sailing low, <br />And have to lean upon a friend. <br />But if that little bunch of mine <br />Is richer by some toy or frill, <br />I'll face the world and never whine <br />Because I lack a dollar bill. <br />I'm satisfied, if I can see <br />One smile that hadn't bloomed before. <br />The only thing that counts with me <br />Is what I've spent my money for. <br />I might regret my sorry plight, <br />If selfishness brought it about; <br />If for the fun I had last night, <br />Some joy they'd have to go without. <br />But if I've swapped my bit of gold, <br />For laughter and a happier pack <br />Of youngsters in my little fold <br />I'll never wish those dollars back. <br />If I have traded coin for things <br />They needed and have left them glad, <br />Then being broke no sorrow brings— <br />I've done my best with what I had.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-being-broke/
