Weeds struggling for sunlight in a rusted garden
of Pinto fenders and forgotten engine parts;
kids and dogs napping under makeshift porches
while the smells of rotting garbage and stale urine
waft through their dreams.
Soap-operas and game shows
competing for the same crowded airspace
over buckled aluminum roofs.
A whore sips burnt coffee and smokes a cigarette,
thinks about going back on the welfare.
The old woman cast-off by her family, bakes cookies
for grandchildren she’ll never see.

Clipped lawns give way to landscaped gardens
of Boxwood, Geraniums and Roses;
children and dogs relaxing on sturdy decks
while the promise of barbecue and cold lemonade
lingers on the air.
Satellite television and easy Internet access
compete for the same human attention
within new aluminum walls.
A whore sips fresh coffee and smokes a cigarette,
thinks about transferring her portfolio.
The old woman retired by her family, sends checks
to grandchildren she’ll never see.


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