dismantling the swimming pool
that I’d so lovingly assembled
a few years back.
with sledge hammer and pliers in hand
it is quick, un-meticulous work.
the sum disappears
as the parts scatter.
the whacked metal pipes
fall in disarray
I pause to wipe my brow
with back of hand…
it once embodied a wet
and beautiful dream that
splashed with a child’s
laughter and squeals
of delight
but that dream,
like the water, has
long since evaporated
under an indifferent sun
I give another whack
the canvas body sags and
collapses with a final shrug
05/31/18