Zero

Ten pennies make a dime

and Friday means

candy bar time.

All week collecting

those small copper coins

to cash in at the counter

of the corner store.

Trading all ten pennies

for a ten-cent piece

to drop into the slot;

oh, that glorious plop

when down comes

that magical piece

from its wire perch

in the vending machine.

Peanuts, almonds and caramel,

a smell and taste

I knew so well.

I’d eaten so many,

I was an expert judge

of the wondrous delight

wrapped in white chocolate fudge.

Down the hatch, it went so fast,

that gooey goodness would never last.

So many choices, as you well know,

but Zero, you’re my hero.