a penny saved

always, always,
they preached,
save for the future.
put a little bit
away,
a coin in a jar,
a bill folded, tucked
inside a wallet,
open up a savings
account at the bank.
watch it grow and grow,
so that one day
you'll have
plenty to live on
when you turn old and grey,
unable to work
any longer.
and when you die
you'll have
something to leave
for your children, or
cats.