Philanthropy: Kind of

Philanthropy, kind of

(Reflection after Buying Books on Amazon)

If I had all the money in the world,

Then no one but me would have money,

So I better not say that. 

But if I had lots of money,

I would be a philanthropist

And I would give money to 

Budding and struggling

Artists,

Poets,

Writers,

Inventors,

Filmmakers,

Musicians, 

Storytellers of all kinds

For creative work

Contributing to a beautiful world,

Nurturing the planet

Like comfort food,

And gardens.

I do that now

I look at it as contributing to the economy

Or supporting the arts

When I spend my money 

On what would seem to be 

Non-essential 

By some. 

But it is essential

Not in the food, clothing, shelter

Scheme of things

But in the quality of life

Scheme of things

In the co-creation of a world

Worth living in

A world in which creativity

And doing good 

Is valued as much as 

Or more than

Money making

And simple pleasure-seeking

When I go to a book store,

Physical or online, 

Or iTunes,

Or participate 

In crowd-funding campaigns,

Or go to a farmer's market

Or craft fair, 

I spend my money based on

What or who I want to support 

In a world I want to co-create. 

It's a small way of making a mark 

In the world

On a teacher's salary.

So I would like to have more money

To be more of philanthropist

To support those 

Who are dedicated to their 

Creative impulses, 

And yes, 

Making the world a better place,

Whose creative 

And do-good impulses,

Whose seeds and sprouts,

I want to see blossom,

Bloom,

Grow,

Live.