• A wealthy man was very ill; he knew that death was near.
    Of all the things he had in life his money was most dear.

    He’d worked and labored all his life. He loved the wealth he’d made.
    He didn’t want to leave it so he prayed and prayed and prayed.

    He prayed so long and earnestly that an angel heard his plea,
    Appeared to him and said, "My man, this thing just cannot be."

    He asked the angel, "Please, oh please ask God if just this time
    He’ll let me bring the thing I’ve worked so hard for all my life."

    "I’ll ask him," said the angel. Then he left and went away.
    The wealthy man continued then to pray and pray and pray.

    When he returned the angel said, "The Lord has heard your prayer.
    When you go to Heaven, take one suitcase with you there."

    Overjoyed, the rich man filled his largest suitcase up
    With pure gold bars. He stuffed and stuffed and filled it to the top.

    Before too long he met St. Peter at the Pearly Gate.
    St. Peter first said "Enter." But then he told him, "Wait!"

    "You can’t bring earthly things in here, through the Gates of Glory."
    So the man told Peter of his prayers, recounting the whole story.

    Peter checked it out, and said, "What you have said is true.
    But I must check the contents before you can go through."

    So he looked inside, and on his face was utter disbelief.
    "Why," said he, "have you brought from earth more
    PAVEMENT for the STREET?"