Billionaire and Beggar
A billionaire and beggar
die on the same day,
miles apart. They
never knew each other
but that’s no matter.
The billionaire is buried
with pomp reflecting
wealth and stature.
The beggar’s lowered
in a potter’s field.
Two workers shovel.
One says a prayer.
Years later
a major quake tosses
thousands of caskets.
Popped lids confirm
a truth the billionaire
and beggar share.
Dust and bones
in both their caskets.
Equality lies here.
Donal Mahoney
A billionaire and beggar
die on the same day,
miles apart. They
never knew each other
but that’s no matter.
The billionaire is buried
with pomp reflecting
wealth and stature.
The beggar’s lowered
in a potter’s field.
Two workers shovel.
One says a prayer.
Years later
a major quake tosses
thousands of caskets.
Popped lids confirm
a truth the billionaire
and beggar share.
Dust and bones
in both their caskets.
Equality lies here.
Donal Mahoney
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