This Malagasy proverb highlights the disparity between those who have support or resources and those who do not. Raherana and Razozoro are depicted as happy because they have means or support to rely on. In contrast, Ratatamo, lacking support, is described as poor and overwhelmed with tears, both in life and in death. A similar English proverb would be: ‘It’s better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick’.