The Penny

As I went my way

I came upon a penny,

after many miles

the one became many.

So proud was I of

My new found treasure,

I took it home and

viewed it with pleasure.

As easy as it was

I didn’t have to try,

only watch the ground

with an intent eye.

I became so content

with my found income,

adding dimes and quarters

totaling a tidy sum.

Well needless to say

as time went by,

all other interests

I would readily deny.

My reputation grew and

the work got around,

but I was so involved

I didn’t hear a sound.

People shook their heads

everywhere I went,

claiming a waste of time

valuable time misspent

Little need of work

or a job had I,

everywhere I walked

the ground I’d spy.

Feeling so smart

I gathered a crowd,

to tell of my findings

I spoke them out loud.

A boy walked up

and he said to me,

“Were you afraid to look up

and what you might see?”

Caught in total surprise

I replied “of course not”,

but the question raised

provided deep thought.

Could it be while

I hung my head low,

I lost sight of the future

and seeds I could sow.

The lesson my friend

is very hard to beat,

don’t walk through life

watching your feet.

Instead you see

avoid easy schemes,

look up to the sky

and work for your dreams.

Gary R. Cramer

July 24, 1987