The Flung Pennies Poem by Daniel Brick

When you ask me what time it is,
which is rare, I answer, "It is the
time of Love's Middle Age, when
desire gives way to mutual comfort,
and fulfillment showers us with
more hopes fulfilled than we
thought possible." You seem unconvinced.
"Well, there may be an end we don't see, "
you reply. "There may be a big twist
in the road ahead, and we know nothing
of it -.""I am troubled by your fear,
dear. There could be low-lying hills,
and we will reach a moderate summit, and
read our futures in the lay of the land."
You are silent for just a moment. "Oh, you
and your optimism! Look, here are four shiny
new pennies in my hand. I'll fling them
into the fountain. The sunlight will enhance
their polish. Choose one and I will give you
a fortune-telling free of guile. Free of hope
as well. A perfect balance sheet, don't you think? "