pool side

There was once a time

that I wanted an inground pool.

Not the silly floating abomination

which was a large plastic tub

and the epitome of disguised poverty

in the 90s,

rather a lunchables and snack packs

kind of pool

made for kings (and queens)

who sat poolside in floaties

because we could hardly swim;

that was the American dream, then.

As I think back now

on the things I despised

cold hot dogs

a spoonful of honey before bed,

the silly sparkles

of perfectly carved women

wearing their plastic crowns

screeching about world peace through

white unbattered plastic

smiles,

I consider what the world has become.

I believe now,

there is nothing I wouldn’t give

to bring back that polaroid kingdom

of dusky, elephant dreams

to have just a little more peace

in a world that has, perhaps,

too many

inground pools.