Decimal

ten, count in tens
let me get this right,
not twelve or twenty or half crowns.
Let me set myself straight,
or three columns of figures
no quids, guineas or bobs.
While I remember,
forget the biscuit barrel of three penny bits
mixed with shell buttons and rubber bands.
Pour the coins in the dustbin,
brass and nickel and copper
and that blemished one on a chain.
King Offa’s long gone, did we even know?