PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

"A penny for your thoughts," you say.
What? You'd actually pay? O.K. …
let's start the auction then … you ma’am?

Still a penny? Well, for that you get
slipshod thoughts, slightly less than true,
hand-me-downs, thrift-shop thoughts
clichés and commonplaces: thoughts
you would really not like to be associated with
in intellectual company or in converse with friends:

You get what you pay for… Oh, over there..
You ma’am … you offer silver? That's better -
this lot has thoughts shot through with lightning
and moonlit nights. Quicksilver thoughts you have to chase,
slick to the touch, slippery to hold on to, impermanent.

What? Gold from you?
A regal choice, mellow and sunshiny
thoughts to parade with pomp and pride
to gift grand seals of approval
amid the jubilant sound of symbols.

Do I hear 'rubies' well, hey!
These thoughts are the lifeforce of the passing
hours: the blood-red blooms of love and passion,
the satin secret folds of female flesh, and the roses of
sweet and sour remembrance.

Sapphires now! Oh. Yes the cosmic blue set into the wail
of Miles Davis' tragic horn, midnight thoughts in dire deep
seas of mysteries and nightmare scenes
and enduring indigo loneliness.

Emeralds? Botanic gem … such earthy thoughts:
grappling in the green ferns with my girl, "roll me over,
lay me down, and do it again" sigh and Sorry ma’am,
not for sale. Private precious thoughts. Next?

Opals? Well I'm not sure. These thoughts
lie at the changing heart of me. They switch
and change, never still, lit by half-hidden fires
and oracular shifts of spectral light.

What else will you offer? Wood, paper, ink?
Do you really need to know
whatever I think?

Barter is best, so trade your musings
for mine and offer not one paltry
penny for my harum-scarum thoughts.
 

Cover picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7911705@N07/2210384457/