I Was There

From pockets to purses

From vaults to venues

I was the nickel that made a shared date night soda possible

I was the coin you tossed into the fountain as you made your wish

I was that half dollar you discovered, at age 9, to start your collection

I was the quarter you flipped, calling head, landing tails, making you wait your turn

I paid for your first dime store novel

I was there to offer your two cents worth

With me, you went in for a penny when others went in for a pound

Now I patiently wait in a jar or a drawer or a piggy bank

For your child to discover me

And when their wonderment catches fire

I will be there for tiny hands and big dreams

Just like I was there for you