Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Lower Ninth Ward


If you were looking for fertile land
This might be just about right.
Dark, rich, moist soil 
That encourages trees and grass, and invites animals.

A stray alligator drinks from a leaky fire hydrant.
Raccoons are no longer nocturnal here,
And once home- trained peaceful German Shepherds
Have taken to moving as a pack, looking hungry.

My house is the sole residence
On a block that had thirteen homes.
While grass, four feet tall and two story trees
Have moved into the remains of our neighbor’s place.

My wife and I have guns we keep loaded.
Our kids have been living with an aunt in Houston,
And I expect to be moving there real soon.
Too many people peer in our windows.

City, state and federal do-gooders
Show-up occasionally, but not too often now.
Maybe they can bring a casino and a jazz band?
Make us a tourist attraction.?

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