The Wallet, by Cécile Rischmann

A dialogue between God and man


A wallet abound with gold of Midas

Can it buy love that lasts?



Untrue said man my wallet brings fame

buys talent, hard work and name,

buys family, friends, and enemies too,

buys houses and territories.



A wallet is only a medium of joy

That can fetch the beauty of Troy

But unwise o man and foolish thou art

To trust the visions that part



And health o man why thou not ask

So precious and tricky a task?

Because said man my wallet can buy

A Life that does not die.



Foolish and proud as ever could be

O man you’re meant to retire

And what have you gained by a wallet thus filled

When a family thou has not instilled?



My wallet said man can buy life span

O God can you contest?

Thy folly art great o man of estate

But death does not wait.



No wisdom I seek o God infinite

My wallet is my life

It travels me places and fetches me cheer

It soothes my unease and my fears.



On earth o’er in heaven, wherever I may be

A wallet is all that I seek.

A goal to achieve is a wallet for me,

For life to be happy as can be.