then
heat shimmers on the streets of my childhood
asphalt buckles under the hot midday sun
bullfrogs throat in falling twilight
moon offers deceptive promises in softened night
gulf breezes never suffice to cool
now
train whistles sound near my last home
electric saws whine in competition
houses get moved, rebuilt, and demolished
history is presented as a calling card
quaint facades hide broken lives
always
friends have ever given joy
meals provide room for storied laughter
strangers often display untold kindness
encouragement is left on wooden benches
I have sought what I have found
all these remain and I do not look back
I go and I go soon
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