Review of Pure Gold (Tuesday 14th October 2003)

This poem is a sharp and rhythmic critique of modern consumer culture and workaholism, evolving into a rousing call for spiritual authenticity and self-empowered purpose.

It opens with a sardonic punch:

“Pop will eat itself / Left on the shelf life of expiry”
— a clever play on commercialism’s self-consuming nature, setting a critical tone about the fleeting nature of fame, trends, and shallow pursuits.

The first half is filled with fast-paced, staccato phrases:

“Risk addicts / Thrill and dare / Is worth the stakes / Have got what it takes”
capturing the adrenaline-fuelled mindset of capitalism and hustle culture. There’s a deliberate intensity here, reflecting the pressure and noise of modern ambition — the “millionaire mind” and its obsession with status and productivity.

The pivot comes with this pointed question:

“But what about the millionaire mind / Of the spiritual kind?”
This turns the poem inward, from external validation to internal wealth. The second half is quieter, more intentional, and reflective — an invitation to shift focus from ego-driven success to heart-led purpose.

Lines like:

“Follow your heart / Find your joy / Work for yourself / Become a pioneer…”
signal the poem’s real message — true success lies in living authentically, honouring one’s unique gifts, and inspiring others by example.

The final image is powerful and uplifting:

“How to unfurl one’s fledgling winged potential”
— a poetic nod to transformation, freedom, and the courageous process of becoming.

Conclusion

Pure Gold begins with bite and ends with grace. It confronts the emptiness of material obsession, offering instead a vision of soulful success rooted in passion, purpose, and service. It is both a critique and a manifesto — urging the reader to redefine wealth and live a life of deeper value and connection.