With wrinkled skin, her boney fingers
Search the cracking leather pouch, restless
Ah! Eyes shine brilliant, triumph perched upon her lips
In her palm, a single coin- her lucky coin.
Tottering to the bar counter,
Orthopedic shoes engulfed, a swirling ocean
cigarette butts and cellophane wrappers
Her lunar treat; quick delicious, flirtation with Hope
Withdrawing to a discarded corner
Gleeful smile, her body sprung young
Possibility...whispers in her ear
The ritual commences:
Top, left the cheap foil belies it’s hidden treasures
Middle, bottom, right her fingers scratching slowly
The moment hangs in the air
Eyes half-closed, released to fate
Squeezing each single, last drop of pleasure…
S…I…G…H…
The escaping moment caves her body, sagging head
Tic, Toc, time marches onward, an aging woman in a filthy bar.
Eyes glaze dull, the ticket floats from her cold fingers, falling
Another grain in the hourglass of life.