Deep Pockets

Hey, I always thought you were judged by the company you keep. I guess that ain’t so anymore. Today it’s all about what you carry. Who knew, Jackwad Foley? 

There’s a group out there called EDC. It stands for “everyday carry.” The Best EDC YouTube channel, which shows videos of people emptying their pockets and purses, has more than 320,000 followers so far. The idea is that what you’re walking around with reflects who you are as a person. 

 Christ, I’ll probably be called a wacknut. So here goes. If I empty my pockets, here’s what you’ll see.

 

I have a lucky marble—a moonie shooter that I’ve carried for years for luck. Then there’s the Harp beer bottle cap. For coinage, I have two JFK half-dollars and a pair of shiny new pennies in case anyone wants my two cents. I’ve also got a U.S. Army knife and a button that says, “Don’t Quit. That’s The Trick.”

Like a bum with his bindle stick, all this stuff is wrapped up on a blue bandanna. I carry the bandanna as a tribute to blue collar workers—especially my great-great grandfather Dennis O’Brien who came over on a boat from Ireland to work building the railroad in Chicago. His nickname was Darby. My mom always liked the name and that’s how I got tagged with it.

Funny thing. Over the years, every time I’ve lost the marble, it has always come back. Now that’s luck. 

Keep your dukes up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDW7pwsaBdA

If you know someone who’d like these ditties in their inbox every week, have ‘em shoot us an email at darbyo@darbyobrien.com and we’ll add ‘em to the list.

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Going For Broke