Travel Plans III

It was so cold

on the boat last night

I had to put on a sweater.

The crew was still wearing shorts,

so I guess it’s me.

But I like it warm.

My trophy wife

prefers the city

and its culture.

The only culture

I care about

is agriculture,

because of my investments.

It’s just about time

to go south.

She can stay here

for all I care.

Wherever I go

on my mega-yacht

there are always willing women

eager to come aboard.

Gary Beck

Advancement

Symptoms of disease

course through

the body politic,

ambition and greed

vectors,

bringing newcomers

to the public trough,

eager to dine,

most loath to serve.

None understanding

their first concern

should always be

well-being of the nation.

Gary Beck

Sterner Stuff

I discovered early

I had a taste for power,

but lacked the means

without family, friends, mentors.

I labored for others

my brains bringing attention

from alert bosses

eager to find talent

to further their ambitions.

I soon became known

as daring, inventive,

reliable,

and earned recognition,

I was richly rewarded

as I made money for others,

ruthless, brilliant deals

turned millions into billions.

Soon I ruled

an economic empire,

where thousands obeyed

my decrees

hoping to get rich.

Their combined efforts

got me mega-yachts,

Monets, Picassos, Warhols,

trophy wives,

all the treasure

that money can buy.

I sit in my tower penthouse,

in a rare moment of quiet

and look out at my city

where I have risen

to the pinnacle of success.

I idly wonder

if I’ll ever have enough

now that I’ve achieved

the trappings of power.

Gary Beck

'Mortal Coil' is an unpublished poetry collection that grapples with the frailty of this conflicted life.