Magic Penny

Magic Penny

© 2023 Jeff Jackson

You dropped me off at kindergarten

I was hanging on your leg

Couldn’t pry me with a crowbar

“Please don’t leave me here,”

I begged

All around the room are

screaming children

Yet you coaxed me to let go

With big ol’ crocodile tears

I watch you

Slowly back up towards the door

Then you reach into your handbag

Rummage ‘round for what you can

I see you taking out

your change purse

You rush over and

press into my hand

A magic penny

Guaranteed to take away any

Fears or doubt or tears

that make you blue

Magic penny

Hold it tight and you’ll have plenty

Of memories of the love

I have for you

Flashing forward to sixth grade

When we moved to that new town

Didn’t know a single soul there

Those awkward years

Were bearing down

But as I walk up to the bus stop

With sandpaper in my throat

I hear you running up behind me

In your nightgown and your coat

Now you’ve lost your independence

You slipped and fell

and broke your hip

You’re worried

you can’t live alone now

We’ll find a place

that’s more equipped

I drop you off at Laurel Gardens

You look pretty overwhelmed

It’s always scary in a new place

Will this be heaven or maybe hell?

Then I reach into my pocket

Rummage ‘round for what I can

You see me taking out my wallet

I rush over and

press into your hand