June 3–9 ❘ Costly

Costly

Come, feel this linen.
Finger its tightly twined fabric, hold it up
to light and see it flow like finest silk—
expensive, yes, but worth the price
for one who takes pride in appearance
as a person of your means would,
a person who’s earned wealth by industry.
Robes from this will make your envious friends
grieve.

New clothes don’t suit?
Then please have a seat, take meat with us,
fresh from our plentiful flocks and farms,
prime stock held in reserve for discerning
appetites too sated to eat for need.
Let us tempt your greater emptiness
with fare full-flavored and fragrant.

No? I see
you are a person of discretion and taste.
But we have many worthy entertainments
for your perusal. Set your heart on any
clever book, gilded toy, or silver-plated vanity.
It’s yours for a trifle—precious little affliction
to gain all your will and pleasure.

Unless you’re another one
of those scornful believers
who judge and persecute us
for our harmless comforts
or who beg undeserved share
in what we can ill afford to give.
Come, let me show you
the way out.

• Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry

• Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com