The Penny

The Penny At the Dollar store. “Excuse me,” She said As I got into my truck. “You dropped this.” And handed me a nondescript penny. I thanked her And drove away. Only in Myakka City. (Often times as I pull my cell phone from my pocket, a coin that’s in the pocket is trapped in the protective edge of the cell phone protective housing and is pulled from my pocket. The lady saw it fall, picked it up and without a thought returned it to the rightful owner. There is a grace and love in living in small town America.) At Walmart: Finished at the check out Pocketed my change Remembered how coins Get trapped by the cell phone. Stopped and removed my phone Out came a single penny taking a ride Fell to the floor And escaped as if to hide. Rolled down the isle From the checkout counters And away it went Energy within, not yet spent. Others saw what was in play As the coin rolled away Further and further it went Where to, I couldn't say. Lady cleaning floors stopped and watched As the penny rolled past her and her broom Another at a further checkout saw it coming Waited for it as it hastened on its way. Finally mostly spent Took a right turn Into the optic store It was bent. There it finally came to rest Not quite the end of the story As I followed it in its quest There sat the optometrist in his glory. Watched me pick up my penny And probably thinking, Damn, I could have had it Had it not been for him. s