The assessor approached with weary tread
And knocked at a farmhouse door,
"Not much value here," he said,
The surroundings looked very poor.
The room he entered was cozy and warm,
The couple were aged and gray,
from his portfolio he selected a form
And said in a business way.
"I'm here to appraise your property, sir,
to determine your wealth, you see.
I'm the assessor, I might infer,
Will you answer some questions for me?'
"Oh, we have great riches," they quickly replied,
Their faces aglow with bliss,
The assessor awaited with pencil poised
Waiting the items to list.
"Our mutual love we value quite high,
It began such a long time ago;
Each passing year has strengthened the tie,
That increases the value, you know."
"Our health is more precious than silver and gold,
The Master has been very kind;
We enjoy each day as it comes and goes,
While so many in illness repine."
"We've quite a fortune in relics, too,
Any price you would name would be small:
A soft golden curl, a little worn shoe,
And the fingerprints there on the wall.
"We've a special interest in heaven, too,
She departed this life at three,
A jewel in heaven with value true,
That's quite an asset, you see."
The astonished assessor squirmed in his shoes
(He was finding it hard to relax),
"They truly have great riches," he mused,
"But not one thing I can tax."
"We have no possessions," they calmly explained,
"To lock in a vault of steel,
Possessions and riches are different, you see,
Our riches, the things that we feel."
"There's one more that is quite vital,
You may be a little surprised,
We hold a blood bought title,
To a mansion in the skies."
The puzzled assessor bowed himself out
In utter exasperation,
The richest couple he had ever known
Were entirely exempt from taxation.
Aren't you glad that you are tax exempt on the things that are most important in life?
