It used to be that a buffalo nickel,
Could buy you lots of things.
An ice cream cone, or just a pickle,
What memories this coin brings.
A buffalo was on one side you see,
And an Indian on the other.
That was the most beautiful coin to me,
A buffalo and a red brother.
And back then a nickel was worth a lot,
And you didn't need so much.
You could buy something for the dinner pot,
Or just a piece of fudge.
Some years ago they tried to bring,
That nickel back again.
But it wasn't at all the same old thing,
It looked cheap, and just, well, plain.
If you've got one, hold tight to it,
Don't ever let it go.
It used to keep this nation fit,
I guess thats why I miss it so.
5/6/11 Alton Texas
The reader from different hemisphere can't intervene the reality depicts the metaphor but the poem is beautiful in another sense o its intelligent making which at at last appeals to keep the nation fit. Here an universal approach makes the writing aesthetically superior. Imageries are beautiful also whether it appears from a coin or not. Overall a flavour of making by a conscious poetic mind dominates the ambiances. Thank you for sharing. Regards, pranab 10+(tragically it does not count, yet its my choice)
An original and great metaphor picturing the past when we were young to me a penny says the same, the beautiful bison and the mighty Indian on the coin a novel in themselves...much enjoyed+++++10 regards
Juan, I love this one; the sentiment you so vividly express resounds through the halls of my heart. The buffalo/bison always seems such a magnificent metaphor for the simple beauty and strength of our younger nation, and the native American such a pure symbol of nature and brotherhood (plus my grandfather was an Indian, so it tends to remind me of him) . Those two figures on the nickel of old do indeed represent something special, and something lost from our nations past. Thanks for reminding us, and giving us cause to pause and consider such. You are truly a thoughtful writer.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Much wisdom and insight here and only five cents. Those were truly the good old days. A great symbol of Americana