Ode to a Tin Can

Once there was an old tin can; his useful days were past.
He'd long ago been emptied, and stripped and tossed, and trashed.
He once had held delicious food, sat on a shiny shelf,
But now that he was tossed aside, he couldn't stand himself !

He cried & cried the whole day through, he thought his heart had busted.
The more he thought, the more he cried, 'til he completely rusted !
And then a lady came along and saved him from this fate.
She cut and curled and painted him, and placed him on a plate.

Since she had beautified him so---returned his self-esteem---
He vowed he'd never cry again and spoil his golden gleam !
For years and years he sparkled, and stuck right to his plan.
No can could be as happy the way this tin can can !

[Written January 23, 1969]