Riches

Once, in the shallow river where sunlight makes the stone look
like gold nuggets, I threw into its water an engagement ring,
made of silver. I had paid plenty for it on my low earnings,
but compared with the river's gold it was junk.
Saw her kiss a man in a café where I could not afford to take her,
my misery was total my disgrace deep, how could I be so
deluded to think she would take my silver to his gold.
I threw mine into the river; amidst shiny stones, my ring looked trite
as a sliver of moonlight after ancient God's bacchanalia.
And forever I will be silent, not speak to her about this: a young man's
the heart is impossible romantic.
The river is now an asphalted road, deep down the precious stones and my silver engagement ring.