I once knew a young woman who had a reaonsonably good job, but was new to the single working woman routine. She just couldn't understand why she couldn't make ends meet each month. Turns out that she was spending more than she made...thinking that a show of wealth was what would get her ahead. Finally, I explained to her that most folks spend less than they earn, and save...LOL! This piece was inspired by her laments about her financial woes...

Money, they say,
Is the root of all evil…

I wouldn’t know;

I’ve never had enough to make a difference.

For you see,
When money comes--
So do bills.

And then money leaves.

Sounds like my love life.
Here today.

Gone today.

Save what for a rainy tomorrow?
It only rains
When you don’t have an umbrella.

To lament is futile.

The fact remains and cannot be denied—

To gain wealth is to live a Spartan life.

And why would I try that
Since
I might only live once?

That would only make me miserable
And lead to me to shop….

Which would lead me to bills…..

Which would lead me to no money……

Which would lead me right back to…

The present.