More Than a Paycheck

It's not the money that fills the soul,  

Not the digits on a screen, or the paper you hold.  

A paycheck is earned, but peace is won,  

In a place where respect is given to everyone.  

The hours spent, the tasks complete,  

Mean little without kindness beneath your feet.  

For work without meaning feels like a cage,  

Trapped in the motions, day after day.  

But where there's respect, there's space to breathe,  

A place to grow, to dream, to believe.  

Mental peace, the true currency we seek,  

Far more valuable than what we make each week.  

So give me meaning, give me respect,  

A paycheck alone, I’ll gladly reject.  

For what is wealth, if the heart is poor?  

It’s peace and purpose that makes life more.