We’ve all seen well worn coins . Old coins that have seen so many transactions that they’ve lost their sharp fresh minted edges as well as any collector value. I have one that I myself have caressed so often that I alone hold responsibility for it’s very aged and antiquated appearance.
The Wren is the smallest bird in the British Isles and I believe that is why its image was chosen to be placed on the smallest coin in use there, the farthing. The farthing is a coin that when in use was the equivalent to merely one fourth of an English penny and my well worn wren sits flip side of the coin to King George VI who show’s equal wear.
Recently a man asked if I had a knife on me and could he borrow it if I did. As I handed the knife over I mentioned the fact it was unlikely he’d ever seen me with out a knife in my pocket .
” Never carried one ” he said .
I thought about how different we were as I’ve rarely ever spent a day in my life with out a knife of some sort in my pocket. And truly doubt that there was ever a day when I didn’t reach for it and it to put it to use . There is always a rope to cut or fingernail to clean, maybe fruit to slice and hopefully not in that order.
I remember the very first time I cut my finger as I still own that very knife . It was a gift given me 59 years ago at the very tender age of almost six and I’ve felt naked without one in my presence ever since. This knife was made in Sheffield England and holds an English farthing in its handle and has been fondled almost daily over all these years as it brings back so much of the place its from and of the gifter.
One day King George and the Wren will be completely worn away….
…… and I’ll be buried with the knife in my pocket
