once I made a wish.

the penny sent ripples of water circling outwardly,
seeming to spread the potential all around the shallow pool,
when really the magic shot from my lips as soon as I spoke.

I wish for her. or for him. or them.

wishes come true--did you know that?

they always do.

but the pain, their unwanted doppelganger.

it's enough to send me into a sudden burst of tears,
fumbling along the hallway wall, until I reach the doors
of my childhood room.
I grasp at the curtains and collapse,

fallen
forgotten
fallen
forgotten

born again in my sleep.