A gold-plated ring of cheap plastic
wedged between a flattened Marlboro
and a piece of grey, salted gum.
It catches a sliver of neon light
like a holy relic in a gutter.
The rain peels the glitter away,
leaving a jagged, yellow tooth
that tastes of iron and diesel.
I want to wear it to the funeral,
just to see who notices the shine.