Coins fall through a poorly sewn pocket,

and clatter dully on the cobblestone.

An opulent, imposing carriage

rolls thoughtlessly over the copper.

The Lord and Lady inside peer out,

eyes locking with the friendly layman’s

soot streaked smile, though they prefer

distance over satisfied curiosity.

 

As the Lord turns, the Lady winks,

and shining, jingling drops

trickle from the open carriage window.

The poor-man nods a kind goodbye,

scoops the gold into his leathery,

well-worked hand, and drops it

into the pocket without a hole.