The Wherewithal

I know where hidden treasure lies,

     In quantities immense;

Which could be brought to use of man

     Without a great expense.

I could become a millionaire,

     (This is no idle dream)

If I but had the wherewithal

     To carry out the scheme.

Inventions I have made a score,

     Which, to my spacious mind,

Would revolutionize the world,

     And benefit mankind.

They’d carry wealth and fame to me

     Now needy and remote,

If I but had the wherewithal

     To set ‘em all afloat.

I’ve written books of wonder tales,

     And books of verse sublime,

Which could they see the light o’ day,

     Would stand till end of time.

Shakespeare and all the other chaps

     Would have to go way back,

If I but had the wherewithal

     To publish them, alack!

The wherewithal is all I lack,

     It’s all in all to me;

If I had all the wherewithal

     How worthy I would be.

With all the wherewithal I’d gain

     All my most cherished dreams –

But had I all the wherewithal

     I wouldn’t have the schemes.

Jan. 16, ‘05