Mr. Peanut
Published 6:49 pm Saturday, December 12, 2015
A crafty old soul picked a century ago
Who stood proud for a cause from his head to his toe
A gentleman’s manner he would forever display
From the time of his seeding to his ripe age today
Standing tall with his top hat and distinguished black cane
Donning a smile always friendly and never one vain
With his monocle, spats and white gloves he was rare
Like the hard working Virginians whose heritage he’d share
He showed vast opportunity and became very dear
As “peanut born and peanut bred” became the Suffolk High cheer
Amedeo Obici from Planters whose jobs changed the game
With a city so grateful its babies saw light under his name
So let’s have three cheers for Mr. Peanut, a stately mascot for sure
And a hero to so many seeking the way to endure
— Thomas J. Kelly