Sunken Change

Another quarter, flicked with force,

a tiny plop, then nothing more.

She thinks it steers some secret course,

to open up a silent door.

This 'feature' they installed, all new,

just gathers hopes, and algae green.

A thousand wishes, none came true,

a watery, pathetic scene.

They glint down there, dull copper, silver,

half-buried in the grime and sand.

A graveyard for the quick believer,

who thinks a coin can lend a hand.

What did she want? A job? A love?

A moment's peace from all the strain?

It just sits there, just looking above,

and waits for the next fall of rain.