Seven Cents

Walking with my dog along a margin between a road and town setting with a wooded area woven along its edge.

 

Seven cents

Strolling along familiar well known path

 with my dogie-friend Violet.

We cross the empty Car wash border.

But today my attention is caught

 

by glistening upon oily damp asphalt.

Laying before my feet is a gift.

 

Looking closer, bending down:

I have discovered

 a nickel and two pennies, 

Seven cents.

Today is special.

 Why?

 I possess a newfound treasure.

How many gifts, how many times

 have I acknowledged, or not,

 the humble gift? 

 

How do I measure value?

Is my gratitude meter fine tuned?

For life is experienced in the day by day; 

in the small things.

What defines value;

 accumulation of experiences

 as time continues on?

How many lessons are claimed 

or cast aside,

 treasured and used

 or abandoned?

Author's Note

dialogue of what is real....right now.

Reviews

[Delmar Cooper]

Too cool, everybody loves finding something, glad you scored the seven cents. Another really cool thing is leaving something for someone else to find. I have nieces and nephews, a hive full, and at one time they buzzed about like bees, unstoppable, full of energy and still capable of wonder, just the way I like em', fat and juicy. I found a gift shop that sold arrowheads, probably made by sweat shop Chinese Indians, but good looking arrowheads. I bought two handfuls of these things and salted my vegetable patch with these "relics." After Sunday dinner I suggested to the hive that they might find an arrowhead now that I had plowed the garden and we'd had a rain. The rest is history. I leave quarters on the sidewalk at Wal- Mart and watch people pick them up from the safety of my car, sometimes I don't even superglue them to the pavement. That's just the kind of guy I am.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Delmar Coooper,
What a fun thing to do: "salt your vegetable patch with relics'. hee, hee....Yes having youngsters about is wonderful! Thanks for the info-ful review of a little glimpse of kindness to and for others.
Bless you!
Kathy

[Onlyme]

It the little surprises in life that make our day. Thank you for sharing.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

This was a note which came about from real life. Sometimes it seems like an experience is so special. The words are all we have to really portray to another. I appreciate your review.
Bless you much!
Kathy

[Crowley]

If we could just remember to think mindfully of things like this at all times. How that change was a gift, the sunrise was a gift, the call form my mother was a gift, it would mke people much happier I think. You make a great societal comment and do it in a way that is beautiful andmindful. Loved this.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Crowley,
I think you are on the right track. To be midful', that is such a good description. Are we mindful of the gifts which are in our life? Your review is lovely too. Thank you so much!
Blessings,
Kathy

[wordman]

the small things in life seems to excite us the most,just a small gesture from a friend or a loved one means the most,seven cents not much but a treasure to you

[Kathy Van Kurin]

wordman,
My every breath is a gift, whether I always feel it or not. Life goes on and this earth's time is but temporary. Clues all around. I guess that I am waiting for more glory, just as is seen by us all. The creator of each spark of inspiration is not done.Heaven is waiting.
Blessings,
Kathy

[wordman]

my pleasure kathy

[barleygirl]

This is a compelling true-to-life account that tells more than one story. First, it’s amazing how our money situation has gotten to the point where seven cents might not even be tempting enuf to stoop over & pick up. Second, I love the way you morph this simple experience into a more all-encompassing lesson. I remember finding a coin while walking my dog (many times) & not being impressed with it’s obviously tiny value . . . but to me it was a symbol of good things to come, so keep my eyes & arms open! Love this life lesson (((HUGS))) Fondly Margie

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Margie,
Hi there! I really like your story that Tiny things are nonetheless real and do have a place and a value. So many things, (probably far more than we realize) can "morph a simple experience into a more all encompassing lesson." You shared a trove of lovely and endearing ideas above and thank you for that!
I hope that you keep looking for the glory!
Blessings, smiles, hugs. dearest Margie!
Kathy

[Ted Kniffen]

You're right, Kathy, it's seldom the big things that produce the most pleasure, it's usually the little unexpected treasures that pop up to surprise us. Something that takes us out of the ordinary.

A good write.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Ted Kniffen,
A treasure chest osflife delights. They are, as you say; "the little unexpected treasures that pop up to surprise us." I like to repeat the good phrases which I see in reviews. thank you for supplying your own treasure for us all to ponder. One delight leads to another is we want to think about it. I really like your review. It means a lot when people share as you have.
blessings,
Kathy

[Zugzwang]

It's funny the way we look at things...one man's trash is another man's treasure and all that...but how often do we stop and take the time to appreciate what's sitting right under our noses? I think your poem gets right to the core of this. How do we ascribe value indeed?
Thanks for asking that fundamental and important question.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Zugzwang,
You have made an important point."How do we ascribe value indeed?" With the layers of time passing the opportunity to be thankful is the gift which prevents stagnancy of heart and soul. What gift of thankfulness is "sitting right under our noses? " You review is good for it does encourage questions and I really like that!
Blessings to you today.
Kathy

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the poetry. I agree dear Kathy. We must appreciate the simple gifts we receive. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Coyote,
Simple Gifts, as the song- poem goes is what brings joy. I think more so then anything of grandiose nature.I always appreciate your view and sharing of ideas coming from a life and heart such as yours. Keep it UP!
blessings,
Kathy

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Kathy.

[Beccy]

In today's fast paced, material world, those little things count for more than we often appreciate.

We should, as this poem gently reminds us, take time to stop and count our blessings.

Beccy.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Beccy,
I sure do like your input here. Yes, we all live busy lives and to just be able to do the important thing; "count our blessings." As you say, I agree.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Neville]

and there you ask the million dollar question..... who knows indeed, if anyone.... we all love to find some unexpected little treasure & for me Kathy, finding these words of yours is my first of a new day......Neville

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Neville Pettitt,
What is a treasure? The accumulation of that which does not feed the soul. Lightness of soul and joy comes in simplicity. It is so nice to read your review and see the first morning blessing you have shared. Thanks much!!
Kathy

[Neville]

My pleasure Kathy as always......Neville

[Jennie Baron]

Splendid use of simple word choice and imagery! My philosophy in writing is less is more, and I avoid flowery language and get bored with it. Here you have presented a simple idea of gratitude, of finding joy in the small things, and said so much with that seven cents. Very well done!

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Jennie Baron,
Life can at times be rather complex so when it can have a bit of blessing and simple grace walk into our lives it is pretty great! Thanks for reading and the inspiring and encouraging review. Input from others which helps is so encouraging to me! Jennie bless you and I hope you keep looking for the "joy in small things."
Kathy