On things already past

On Public Phones

Everyday, same spot, same coffee shop, same time.

Without fail, the shabby figure shifted through every public phone, checking if there wasn't any coin left behind in the coin return box.

I wondered what passed through that head, what could be achieved by doing that every single day.

I took a sip of my coffee, knowing the answer pointed back at me: just looking, I was doing no better.

I paid for the coffee, and headed for the door.

To my surprise, the figure entered the coffee shop, and ordered a tall latte.

I promised never to go back to that coffee shop again.
It depressed me.

- - -

- A tall latte, please.
- That will be $4.20

Payed with a $5, waited for change. No change.

- Change, please.
- Sorry, we charge for service.
- Change.

Cold look. Tall look. Mean look.
Did not move.
People getting angry.
Did not move.
2 minutes passed.
Manager gave change back.
Did move.

Went back to check phones. Lovely phones.
Used to work. Repairing them.
But there's no work no more.
No one uses them no more.
No one uses repair service no more.

Tried to get another job.
Help wanted.
No experience.
No degree.
No needed.

Then searching for change.
Change came often.
Then came less.
Then rarely.
Now almost never.

People use phones now.
Wireless.
Shiny. Colorful.
With a touch screen.
No change needed.
No change given back either.

Change is what one seeks.
But change almost never comes.
Only to those who wait patiently.