The Flung Pennies

When you ask me what time it is, which is rare, I answer, "It is the time of Love's Middle Age, when desire gives way to mutual comfort, and fulfillment showers us with more hopes fulfilled than we thought possible." You seem unconvinced. "Well, there may be an end we don't see, " you reply. "There may be a big twist in the road ahead, and we know nothing of it -.""I am troubled by your fear, dear. There could be low-lying hills, and we will reach a moderate summit, and read our futures in the lay of the land." You are silent for just a moment. "Oh, you and your optimism! Look, here are four shiny new pennies in my hand. I'll fling them into the fountain. The sunlight will enhance their polish. Choose one and I will give you a fortune-telling free of guile. Free of hope as well. A perfect balance sheet, don't you think? "