by Monica Delgado
We went for a stroll around the local park
Past bunnies and trees—caught in a maze.
Wandering through the desert for treasure—
To discover that it was buried at home.
Sold sheep and left the grass under feet—
A small price to pay for a pile of gold
Yet, the true riches lie in the story untold:
Sacrificing time, in search of a symbol
Then, asymmetrical butterfly wings
Land and rest on a eucalyptus leaf
A brief respite after a long flight
Past blighted, abandoned streets:
Dreams scattered on the boulevard
Cops take to the scene in dark cars;
A dirty, decrepit pit lies beneath:
Tents and trash dam the dying creek.
Trails carved into the sides of hills
Twisting and turning beyond civility
Barren trees plucked by royal thieves
Vacant, red eyes and missing teeth
Torn clothes—children can’t believe,
But something deeper lies beneath:
Dirt-filled nails and sunburnt cheeks
No one asks—clean cars drive past.