Once Upon a Ttme

Once Upon a Time 

The small river and the tiny lake we used to swim 
had muddy looking water, ugly fish and a crocodile
which ate a goat with a bell that continued to toll? 
In the beasts stomach, and warned us when it was 
time to get out of the water.  
Gypsy children bathed here while their mothers
washed and watched by the shore.
Then the small river and the tiny lake was bought 
by a consortium, a tall fence erected and work 
began to make the place into a rural, nature park.
Where the river ends, a cascade falls in to the lake
and the water is clean and clear, the bottom of 
the lake is cemented and painted blue. Of course 
there is an entrance fee to this Paradise, a café that 
sells coffee, hot dogs, and ice cold beer. 
Gypsy children are not welcome here- not many 
places else- they have to find another muddy river
and a lake, not yet sold, to the highest bidder, in our 
blessed, divisive democracy.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Collins Avatar
April 23, 2013 at 7:12 AM
Don't mention the whole bell thing to Captain Hook. The gypsies might be called environmental waste. love, Kathy
Hansen Avatar
April 24, 2013 at 4:11 AM
yes dear and arrested
Martin Avatar
April 22, 2013 at 11:49 PM
Very nice powerful piece, the message reads forcefully yet the piece retains its beauty through your writing skills.
Hansen Avatar
April 24, 2013 at 4:11 AM
thank you Jeremy
Horstkotter Avatar
April 22, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Very nice piece enjoyed. Not many nice places left that have not been sold off yet.
Hansen Avatar
April 24, 2013 at 4:11 AM
thank you Matthew
Hansen Avatar
April 22, 2013 at 5:12 PM
thank you Matthew
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