Which is more precious, diamonds or water?
There were sparkles in the sand,
And oyster beds beneath the waves.
The cliffs were carved and crystal caves
Held quartz that were 10 times larger than a man.
The summer breezes were cool and clean
Tropical fruits ripe through most of the year
The fish were so plentiful, one could catch with a spear
The biggest trout or perch ever seen.
Under the stones in the clifftops above
One could hear bubbling and follow the sound
Until a place with hot springs was found
And desire was heightened for couples in love.
I was there that day in the springtime of life,
With birdsong and wind-chimes making song,
And for a short time, nothing was wrong-
Until I awoke to the stab of reality’s knife.
epilogue:
Here in the city where greed doesn’t sleep,
And the natives welcome with Cheshire smiles,
Neon lights the way as Lady Luck beguiles
Luring unwary tourists into her Keep.
Palm trees and gilded lilies adorn
The path to a promise that ends in a trap;
The pot at the rainbows end is full of crap
Riches to rags left tattered and torn.