A Valued Gift

Since World War II, I’ve traveled the world, Seeing many countries both near and far. I started in the States where my eyes were unfurled, Being kept in pockets and in many a jar. Right off the press, I started out crisp and new. I was cut from the others and soon put into play. After the War, I became one of the few That were tossed in a jar for a rainy day. Then, I was given to a very young boy. It was his eighth birthday and he seemed so happy. He got a wonderful car from a man named Roy. It was his mother’s ill father, his dear old grandpappy. When he opened up the card and saw me there, He knew he was loved by someone so much. Right away, he knew how to spend me, and where; In a toy machine with lots of prizes and such. He wrapped up the toy that he won on his own, And had his parents help him address the letter. When it got to his grandpappy, he opened it alone. He was touched by the gift, and felt so much better. Later that week, I was taken from the machine, And the cashier noticed that I was very old. He gave me to his son, who was only thirteen, And this began my next journey, to be later told.