Wishing Coins

In the garden, by the fountain,
I was sitting in a chair.
As the visitors approached,
I saw them hesitate and stare.

For the pool of water glittered
With a sea of silver change.
Not one warning sign was posted,
Which to me was kind of strange.

I imagine out-of-towners
Or some locals on a tour
Make a wish and toss their coins,
Which settle on the fountain floor.

Do these people think their wishes
Have a chance of coming true?
Or is tossing coins in fountains
Just a thing that people do?

If you add up all the money
That museum fountain gleans,
It could really be a fortune;
And I’m curious – who cleans?

But much more, I wonder if the wishers
May be disenchanted
When they realize that their wishes
Somehow never do get granted.

Still, most people think it’s fun
To make a wish and throw a coin;
And if I am honest, I’ll admit
At times I’m apt to join.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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O'Leary Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Just think... many will toss a coin into a pool of water to evoke a wish which will never materialise, but would never toss a beggar a coin to satisfy a wish ... Nice poem (And thanks for your radiant praise... I'm still floating ... :-))) Terry
Williams Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 7:04 AM
ilene don't we all..David
Brown Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 5:46 AM
A pleasure to read your poetry today Ilene. I will try to come back later this week to read more. I have a spring cold and not up to reading for too long. Have a wonderful week. Love, Carol
Vresk Avatar
May 7, 2012 at 6:56 PM
So sad and true, thank you dear friend,your lyrics are so deep and strong ,I love it,thank you, Ivy
Vresk Avatar
May 7, 2012 at 6:52 PM
I've been there,and I have trow my coin and still waiting for my wish to come true,as you are in your poem ,thank you dear friend I love your lyrics , Ivy
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