Penny in the Pavement

A bright copper penny was wedged straight upright in a deep sidewalk crack! A real miniature landmark. I dropped to my plush knees and gave the round rim a gentle tap with my thumb. Solid as a rock! Curiosity took over. I planted both sneakers against the concrete, clamped both hands around the cool metal edge, and gave a hearty heave. Wobble, wiggle—pop! Out it leaped, rolling three tidy circles across the pavement before clattering flat in the bright sun. The smooth metal felt delightfully icy and weighty against my fabric fingers. I buffed the dusty rim against my sleeve and slipped my newest treasure straight into my jacket pocket!