Structured Equality

by Gary Beck / August 16th, 2026

The wealthy accumulate
endless possessions
to reassure
the importance of their days.

I have few artifacts,
fewer relics,
do not measure
what I have.

I do not need
18 year old scotch,
Warhols, Picassos,
just paper and pen.

As long as my body works,
as long as I can write
I am as rich as anyone,
but can’t help the needy.

Gary Beck has spent most of his adult life as a theater director and worked as an art dealer when he couldn't earn a living in the theater. He has also been a tennis pro, a ditch digger and a salvage diver. His original plays and translations of Moliere, Aristophanes and Sophocles have been produced Off Broadway. His poetry, fiction and essays have appeared in hundreds of literary magazines and his published books include 40 poetry collections, 16 novels, 4 short story collections, 2 collection of essays and 8 books of plays. Gary lives in New York City. Read other articles by Gary.

This article was posted on Sunday, August 16th, 2026 at 8:00am and is filed under Poetry.