Whose Ownership?

by John Grey

The child is not privately owned

so he can grasp it when the mood takes him.

Some day, it will claim itself for itself

but, for now, it goes along with

being picked up from the floor, pressed to his chest.

The threat of rain goes public also.

Even when the clouds finally burst,

drops down window-panes are available to all.

He spends money on the apples

but there's no extra cost for the taste.

Church bells rings out. Robins whistle.

He hears them all for free.

The house is full of giveaways.

Outdoors is wrapped in ribbons for him no matter the weather.

He plays Mahler on the stereo and no one hands him a bill.

Sure the child starts crying but crisp as a hundred dollar note.

With nothing to owe, he grows wealthier by the minute.

He rocks the child back to sleep. Gratis.

 John Grey is an Australian born poet, works as financial systems analyst. Recently published in International Poetry Review, Chrysalis and the science fiction anthology, “Futuredaze”with work upcoming in Potomac Review, Sanskrit and Osiris.