pennies

A poem for wishes that won't come true

I was walking in the park
and stopped by a marble fountain.
Hundreds of pennies covered the bottom.
(Did their dreams come true?)

On the ground beside me,
I noticed a shiny penny.
It winked at me.
Only one penny
for a girl that needed dozens.
(I snatched it up like a secret)

I wanted money, but that was too shallow.
I wanted love, but that was too vague.
I wanted joy, but that was worse.
(Maybe I don't want anything)

After a minute, I laughed,
then laughed some more,
until my laughter
turned to tears.
(The perfect wish was also the saddest)

The penny flew from my hands
joined the rest of its siblings
in the pool of disappointment.
(If only this did anything)

I wish
To be seen.