What Is Desired

The weight of well-worn silver growing heavy,

The precious metal slips from hand.

Descried in water is a pebble,

Brilliantly red and ostentatiously eye-flattering--

This new, lighter weight is placed in palm,

And a semblance of satisfaction assuages

The itch of empty fingers.

As water drips from the stone,

The scarlet brilliance fades to a dull mottled pink;

The sere stone now appears as listless

As all those trodden underfoot.

Despite steps retraced,

The soft effulgence of the silver

Remains elusive beneath rippling tides.

The exchange cannot be undone,

And hands again release their weight,

Aching to be filled.

Author's Note

Do not forsake that which is precious.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

"The scarlet brilliance fades to a dull mottled pink;
The sere stone now appears as listless"
You are a word man. The poem is amazing. I had to read many times for the pleasure of your thoughts and the strong description. I agree with the logic in the words. Thank you for the outstanding poem.
Coyote