Try again

Machine

One coin rejected

one coin returned

One coin rejected

one coin returned

Attempt One

I press the same button twice

then a third time, slower

like the machine respects patience

like I'm not asking it for anything

Attempt Two

The vending slot holds its breath

my thumb has a dent from waiting

the fluorescent tube above it

keeps blinking on the wrong beat

Hook

Try again

but don't call it hope

Try again

but don't call it faith

Try again

because the hand needs

somewhere to go

Attempt Three

I don't even want the drink now

I want the sound of it landing

cold aluminum proving

the world can still complete a motion

Drop

Reject

return

reject

return

Final

One coin accepted

The can falls hard

I stand there

holding it

Like I earned

the whole machine