I Am Poor, But I Won’t Sell Myself"

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I Am Poor, But I Won’t Sell Myself"

I am poor, but I won’t sell myself.
I refuse to trade my soul for coins,
Or bargain with my spirit’s worth.
My dignity, though wrapped in threadbare cloth,
Is wealth beyond any glint of gold.

I have no riches to my name,
No silken threads or diamond rings,
Yet I stand upright, with open palms,
Unbroken by this world’s demands.

I will not bow to whispered lies,
Nor sell my dreams for fleeting gain—
For though my pockets may be bare,
My heart is rich with quiet flame.

Each dawn I rise, my head held high,
Though life’s harsh winds may beat me down.
I walk the earth with steadfast stride,
Unshaken by the cold of want.

For I am poor, but I won’t sell myself.
I am free, though hunger bites,
I am whole, though torn and worn,
And in the darkness of the night,
I hold my soul, my light, my pride.


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