R.E. Slater - Three Coins in a Fountain (a poem)

Three Coins in a Fountain

by R.E. Slater

I placed three coins in a templed fountain,

wishing each worn farthing fare thee well,

content before its glittering, flowing waters,

against a clearing sky’s deep azured blue.

With the first I wished for wonder’s contentment,

the second a lifetime filled with abiding joy,

and third for love’s sublime abundance,

upon all my days this jealous earth.

Thence followed to my greatest pleasure,

a golden parade playing wondrous tunes,

heralding fine instruments in regaling colours,

filling with boys and girls each gaily dressed,

bearing fair golden lockets upon blazing vests.

Bright with happy, joyous faces beaming,

clasping flashing golden harps their breasts,

marching to brassy drums’ thunderous beats,

beneath superfluous melodies soaring high.

So fine a parade that I forgot my wishes,

feeling blessed with warmth and happiness,

lasting all my days until evening’s hours,

when darkness finally came to rest.

And there before the golden fountain,

I sought again each coin I tossed,

to give each one a little lad beside me,

filling all his days and waking hours,

like as mine upon a fountain blest.

- R.E. Slater

March 25, 2013

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