Apr 2014
4/15/14
A fistful of coins and an empty room with an old claw machine. I stare through the glass for what seems like hours. Many riches are inside the machine, but in the center of the machine, or my attention, sits an object of my desire. I catch myself drooling. After drawing my tongue back into my mouth, I steady my hand and contemplate trying to win. This machine takes both coins and confidence. I lose and lose and lose and lose and lose. The machine swells pushing my against my knees. Choking on frustration, I throw the rest of my coins at the machine and hang my head. Out from the prize slot drops a lighter. I take my consolation and adjust my hat. After one last longing gaze at the prize in the center, I leave the empty room to be burned up by the sun. Maybe someday someone better than me will bypass all the jewels and gold inside the machine and truly win the stuffed cat inside.
A fistful of coins and an empty room with an old claw machine. I stare through the glass for what seems like hours. Many riches are inside the machine, but in the center of the machine, or my attention, sits an object of my desire. I catch myself drooling. After drawing my tongue back into my mouth, I steady my hand and contemplate trying to win. This machine takes both coins and confidence. I lose and lose and lose and lose and lose. The machine swells pushing my against my knees. Choking on frustration, I throw the rest of my coins at the machine and hang my head. Out from the prize slot drops a lighter. I take my consolation and adjust my hat. After one last longing gaze at the prize in the center, I leave the empty room to be burned up by the sun. Maybe someday someone better than me will bypass all the jewels and gold inside the machine and truly win the stuffed cat inside.
