The story of 25￠

To the memory of Calvin McLauchlan and his father

When I was a very young boy,
I thought life was easy and carefree.
Because I know you always take care of our family,
A 25￠ movie for me
Is nothing.
So I tell you,
Dad,
Give me 25￠
You should have it,

I never think about that,
You say “no” so quickly
And never touch your wallet, even a little bit.

You never knew,
Your refusal is like soil covering my heart,
I am angry and leave your house cursing,
I will always remember that Saturday afternoon！

Now I have just arrived in Toronto.
Everything here is strange and different.
So I have lost my way.
A short time ago,
The police stopped and asked me,
“Are you Calvin McLauchlan？”

Saturday night in your home,
You are angry and lock yourself behind the door,
And mom’s tears are like a river, never stopping.

Fifty years have passed so quickly！
The movie is no longer 25￠;
The young boy is already sixty years old.
When we talk about 25￠now,
You are crying and you say to me,

“We have come to Toronto from England,
We have a very small house,
Five people live here,
And my wallet does not even have 25￠ for you,
So I say no”.

Maybe the answer is now the time to know.
My Tears,
Falling down so quickly
I am sure the thought of 25￠stings our hearts.
Now,
My wallet has no cents, just plastic.
Ah！The poor times and the rich times！
They are old friends！
Now I know, in your wallet,
There was an alternative inside:
There was no 25￠, but,
The money cannot buy,
The Love.
Amopeter July 1, 2004 Cortland