I ate a pomegranate today --

who says I am not rich --

peeling back paper layers

of fleshy crimson

like unearthed gold,

the fruit's blood dribbling onto my shirt --

who says I am not a king?

I share an apartment in midtown

that I can't afford

but I kissed the most beautiful woman today,

her fleshy crimson lips tugging at mine --

who says I am not rich?

I sponsored a child today,

Francisco da Silva,

so he could go to school instead of work.

He is 13 years old. 

Who says I am poor?