What Lies Beneath

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.