Pennies and Gum Wrappers

 Oh, such a vile thing, a lie
People pick it up from the ground
   like an oxidized penny
   or a foil gum wrapper
   discarded
   sparkling in the light
but once in hand, the shine disappoints
so begins the change
endothermic to exothermic
absorb to release

A narrative evolves and twists
   (ties on swollen garbage bags)
until a self-created gemstone is found
   one of faceted delight
and like a butter knife
   spreads until each 
   corner has been covered
putrefaction, compost, ashes
decay
 
This person, the catalyst of twist
   and manipulation,
wears the thing, that lie,
a crowning, crowing glory
of swollen pride
   the frigatebird's gular pouch
   for applause.
Oh, such a vile thing, a dissembler
   of truth.