The food so salty
it starts burning your mouth
long before hunger is eased

the air gray and tired
the slim trees concentrating
on remaining rooted

the sand only sand,
no gold in it anywhere
and the children

running
shouting, playing, laughing
all through the day

and far, far, far into the night
as if it is their last chance
to be happy.

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Patricia Russo’s work has appeared in One Art, The Sunlight Press, Vagabond City, Hex Literary, A Sufferer’s Digest, Eulogy Press, Heimat, Revolution John, and Crow and Cross Keys.