My Lay Away Plan

I’d save up all of my extra pennies in a shoebox beneath my bed, And each night before I went to sleep I’d spend them in my head. Sometimes I’d spend the whole darned stash on something just for me, But sometimes I’d imagine myself on a less selfish shopping spree. When Christmas came I’d take out the box and count whatever I had, And try to decide how much I could spend on my brothers, mom and dad. Way back then you’d be surprised what you could get for just a buck, Coloring books, marbles and puzzles or maybe a toy pick up truck. My dad would get a tie that could brighten up any room, And for mom there was always a bottle of Walgreen’s best perfume. I could buy a gift for each member of my family for just five ninety-eight, And have enough left over for a Payday bar and go home feeling great. Then I’d wrap the gifts and label them and put them beneath the tree, I’d set them all towards the front so they’d see they came from me. And after they’d opened their gifts and Christmas wishes had all been said, I’d go upstairs and drop a couple of pennies into the shoebox beneath my bed.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011



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Date: 11/30/2011 4:20:00 AM
Tony, the best perfume in the world was "Blue Waltz" from the 5&10 cosmetics counter. You can still find it in the Vermont Country Store catalog - bigger price + postage. I am a Southern girl small town girl, born & bred. Only an honorary New Yorker. Black was to show my disdain for tradition. Nola Love the Poem!
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Date: 11/29/2011 9:05:00 PM
Once again Tony you have done it. I love this I picture it all especially as Gwendolen said the Walgreens best perfume! XXX Lizzie
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Date: 11/29/2011 7:05:00 PM
Hey Tony~This is spectacular~The tho't fullness of this poem and the nostalgic feel of WalGreen's perfume..so touching. I see the heart of a young boy who dearly loves his family. I really enjoyed this. All the best! Gwendolen
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Gwendolen Song
Date: 11/29/2011 7:06:00 PM
thoughtfulness (oops).
Date: 11/29/2011 6:17:00 PM
Very nice write Tony! It reminds me of my own childhood. :-)
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Date: 11/29/2011 5:54:00 PM
Terrific story, wonderfully and creatively told. Captures the purety of child's generous heart. Keep dropping those pennies and sharing your gift of rhyme.
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Date: 11/29/2011 10:35:00 AM
ahh this is so sweet you can see the big heart and love coming through on this write. Beautiful. love phyl
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Date: 11/28/2011 10:47:00 PM
awhh, this is so sweet and poignant, tony.. you mean you have a heart?? ( kidding).. love this side of you! :) huggs!
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Date: 11/28/2011 10:10:00 PM
I LOVED this one, Tony! It's just a lovely write. Both funny and poignant, not an easy balance to get. Good night!
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Date: 11/28/2011 9:42:00 PM
AHA, and the cycle begins again right that Christmas night. Charming ending for your poem and GREAT title.My mom always loved "lay away". Don't you miss the good old days?
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Date: 11/28/2011 7:09:00 PM
Tony... please do not move your shoe boxes...lol..i'm going over... kidding... i love the way you are thoughtful... and spend all year long saving to make a smile or two... it is worth the moments to save all over again... enjoyed your poem,..p.d.
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Date: 11/28/2011 2:28:00 PM
Oh I just read John's comment about 25 cent Snickers Bars. Am I ever dated. I remember when they cost 5c and were bigger. My friend and I used to go down to the local store during our lunch break at school and buy frozen Milky Ways. Yummy.Joyce
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Date: 11/28/2011 2:24:00 PM
Great one Tony. I remember trying to save up pennies for such reasons but I had no way to accumulate pennies so it didn't work very well. Thanks for your comments. Love, Joyce
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Date: 11/28/2011 1:08:00 PM
Good one..Enjoyed reading of your selfless acts to make Christmas joy for your family.If for a contest, good luck...Sara
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Date: 11/28/2011 11:48:00 AM
i remember when a snickers bar only cost 25 cents thanks for taking me back wooden spinning tops and marbles. life was so much simpler :)
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Tony Lane
Date: 11/28/2011 12:23:00 PM
I remeber when they were 5 cents. yikes
Date: 11/28/2011 9:34:00 AM
nice to read you again Tondy, cindy Very well written.
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Date: 11/28/2011 8:38:00 AM
Nice, very nicely you penned. Your are truthfully done it, my friend. bl
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Date: 11/28/2011 8:17:00 AM
Beautiful poem on sweet memories Tony.Enjoyed.thanks for your comment at my page.
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Date: 11/28/2011 7:52:00 AM
a heart warming story! is it true? love it either way :)
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Lane Avatar
Tony Lane
Date: 11/28/2011 8:01:00 AM
Yes, it is true. Christmas morning was for Santa gifts but Christmas Eve we would open the gifts from each other. We just needed to open something!!!
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