Tuppence for crumbs

If you walk down to the town square
you always find her sitting there.
In her cold hands a bag of crumbs,
she sings to us down snow swept stairs.

While flight of feather pigeons come,
it's this sweet song bird lady hums.
"Come feed the birds, mum feed the birds
A tuppence for a bag of crumbs?"

The hope held tight within her words
is not the cash that most prefer.
The busy stream to work must go
they look away, her pleas unheard.

When Nanny comes, she shakes the globe
and feathered pigeons turn to snow.
While sweet she sings the their lullaby
sad words of those lost and alone.

When morning comes, Papa must try
to teach his son, "Invest with pride!"
Tuppence in hand, he says "Yes sir."
Mama just smiles and waves goodbye.

Down to the bank they walk, no words
while press'd in pocket, tuppence burns
Till down the stairs, birdlady hums
"Come feed the birds, boy, feed the birds."

"A penny saved, a penny earned!"
His father pulls him to the curb
and pries the tuppence from his hand.
"It must be saved, why won't you learn?"

"It's mine!" he cries, away he runs
and buys one little bag of crumbs
Until I die, I promise you
I'll feed the birds while winter hums.

.....

Survivor Poem:
Form X: Rubaiyat Quatrain
Trigger 35: old lady and pigeons