The Lucky Penny
“Find a penny
pick it up
all day long
you’ll have good luck!”
Back when penny candy
was a thing
it was simply grand
made him sing
a copper in hand!
Grasped in chubby fist
he’d rush to the store
peer inside, make a wish
and hope there’s more
peppermint twists.
Those days are long gone
now spot a penny
laying on the lawn
it ain’t worth any
folks just walk on.
He’s old but a boy at heart
when he spies one
still plays his part
it’s great fun
almost an art.
“A penny saved
is a penny earned”
this maxim he’ll rave
this lesson he’s learned
‘cause hard times he’s braved.
He served in a war
then lived on the street
the poorest of poor
but fate brought a treat
he’s poor no more.
His childish ways
all that penny collecting
saved the day
again made him sing
boy, did it pay!
As if it was planned
spied a 1944 steel wheat penny
held in his hand
didn’t look worth any
but sold for $100 grand!
This fictional poem was inspired by National Lucky
Penny Day, which is May 23rd. The value of the
penny is not fictional.
By Janet Sobczyk, 2021
Click here to see the May issue of Your Country Neighbor.
