My heart for a nickel
the beggar said,
Just enough to get home
and to buy me some bread.

My heart for a penny
the little child said,
Just enough for some candy,
and a pillow for my head.

My heart for a nickel
the old woman said,
Just enough to get better,
buy some medicine for my head.

My heart for a penny
the sad one said,
Just one to toss in a wishing well,
wish for happiness instead.

My heart for a nickel
the grandmother said,
Just enough for a memory of
your father, long dead.

My heart for a penny
the older brother said,
Just enough to let me help
those who have no bed.

My heart for a nickel
the sad woman said,
Just enough to trigger memory;
the lights of stardom shone in red.

When all the nickels and all of the pennies
are gathered from around the globe,
Trumpets sound, love resounds -
and sharing begins to unfold.

© 2005, Deborah L. Kelly