Not an Oligarch

Thomas Hemminger

April 6, 2025

Oligarchs are rich.

I want to be rich, but

I don’t want to be an oligarch. 

I know that much. 

Oligarchs have wealth, and

Wealth is just made up. 

“You can’t take it with you, 

Brother Will, Brother John.”

The only thing immortal in humanity

Is that which we can share. 

If it’s ever worth holding on to, 

It’s worth far more passed along.

Give me wealth in friendship. 

Shower me with riches of the heart. 

Lavish me with moments of service.

Bury me with nothing but love. 

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His work has been published locally in Dallas, as well as in The Wilda Morris Poetry Challenge, The Texas Poetry Assignment, and The Poetry Catalog. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.