"Grandpa gave us these shiny pennies.
What shall we use them for?"
"I don't know. He still thinks
They'll buy things at the store."

"Mama's in there shopping now.
She said we could play out here."
"No, she said sit quietly,
And stay together, you hear!"

Mom had been shopping for quite awhile,
Their pennies they were countin';
When they glanced up and their eyes lit up
At the sight of a sparkling fountain.

"It looks cool over there,
Let's go sit there a bit."
"Well, it's not so very far;
Guess Mom won't have a fit."

"Look at all those coins down there!
I bet they've a story to tell."
"I know! I know! I bet we've found
A magical Wishing Well!"

"THAT'S why Grandpa gave us pennies!
He knew we were coming here!"
"Grandpa always knows these things.
Isn't he a dear?!"

Two small fists clenched their pennies;
Fours eyes were wide with joy.
It won't come true if you tell your wish,
The girl reminded the boy.

You can feel them concentrating
In a most determined fashion;
Then a "plink" and a "plunk" -
The sound of pennies splashin'!

"I wish I may; I wish I might...."
(Two little lips were sealed.)
"This is what I most wish for...."
(Never to be revealed.)

© 2001 Peggy Swycaffer