Although most individuals respect, value and love others and enjoy using objects, there are others who value things and seem to have little respect for other people.
When I met a retired British colonel in an adult discussion group a few years ago, I was shocked by his disrespect for others.
He spoke of his beloved four-wheel possession, interrupting others, raving, not about his family, friends or pets.
We learned that his most treasured object was his red MG convertible, and, that it was the most important thing in his life.
When I attempted to explore the reason for his preoccupation with a steering wheel, he asked me impatiently, what, not who, was most important in my life.
Here is my response:
If you must ask what I value most
I would lift my glass, to toast
A gentleman who cares to know what I’m all about.
I’ll tell you clearly. I promise not to shout.
Not the cars, the pool, the spa
Not the motorcycles or a pedigree’s four furry paws
Never the facade of financial success or real estate bids
That fail to recognize the value of spending time with your kids.
No, you’re right, I’m out of sync
With those networking in IT inc.
I possess little if we define possession as owning
or even more sublime,
A state of being controlled by some ghostly host or sign.
What I do possess and dearly prize
Are my sweet memories, I realize.
The beauty of Italian domes
Imagination, reading well-written tomes
Classical music, clear and sweet
A tree, in spring, moss round its feet.
The wonder of a babe newborn
Sunny promise of another morn
Grandchildren, my children, so dear to me,
Nothing more precious than my family.
Rain caressing my ageing face
The special comfort of my own little space.
Many people I love so much
A hand in mine, such a gentle touch
All of this is what I value most
This is the stuff of which I boast.