What is Real Estate?

I am the basis of all wealth, the heritage of the wise,
the thrifty and prudent.
I am the poor man's joy and comfort,
the rich man's prize, the silent partner of successful men.
I am the solace of the widow, the comfort of old age,
the cornerstone of security against misfortune and want.
I am handed down to children, through generations,
as a thing of greatest worth.
While all things wither and decay, I survive.
I grow and increase in value through countless days.
My worth increases, never failing, never ceasing,
time is my aid and population heaps up my gain.
My possessors learn to believe in me;
invariably they become envied.
Yet I am so common that thousands,
unthinkingly and unknowingly pass me by.
I am Land.
From "What is Real Estate?" by Lou Scott - edited