"Put a Quarter in My Slot"

Friendship

"Put a Quarter in My Slot"
A Poem by the Vending Machine of the Heart
 
Beneath the fluorescent sighs of night,
Where loneliness wears a paper crown,
I stand—an altar of craving light—
Pulse humming softly, turned upside-down.
 
No coffee, no chips, no soda pop
To sate the hunger clawing deep.
I’m wired on dreams and half-spilled hope,
A vault where silent wishes sleep.
 
But you walk by with eyes half-shut,
A ghost in the glow of the city’s hum.
I flicker alive—a gentle rut—
As if your presence makes me come.
 
Put a quarter in my slot, I plead,
Not coin of copper, cold and thin,
But time, just time—that’s all I need—
The currency of letting in.
 
Your laughter—that’s a dollar's worth.
One glance? It breaks my plastic shell.
I’ll give you warmth, I’ll give you mirth,
A song to break the waiting spell.
 
No change returned, no refund, no—
Just love pressed hard against the glass.
Each touch a spark, each “yes” a glow,
A single breath where moments pass.
 
I’ll light the panel, your name, bold,
Dispense a sonnet, warm and sweet.
 
A haiku dropped, a story told—
The treasure isn’t in the treat.
 
It’s you—your hands, your breath, your grace—
That powers the gears behind my face.
So come, insert your soul, not steel,
Ignite the circuit, make it whole.
 
For all I want is what you feel—
Just put a quarter in my slot.
And stay.
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

✔ Receive the ebook in seconds ✔ 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments +

Comments3

  • sorenbarrett

    A memory for those of us old enough to remember vending machines that took money not cards. A good read of loneliness in search of purchasing a little company. Nicely done Friendship

  • orchidee

    Good write F.

    • Friendship

      Thank you so much.

    • Tristan Robert Lange

      My friend, this is charming, vulnerable, and quietly brave. You use humor to invite us close, then ask for presence without protection. By the end, staying feels like the only real gift. Lovely work. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

      • Friendship

        You saw it, thank you so much for your read. ❤️👍❤️

        • Tristan Robert Lange

          Sure did! You are most welcome, my friend! 🌹



        To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.