Gary Edward Geraci

Upper Carmen

a refuse pit across the street

this clan with kids constrained by

poverty. we’re sent to school

and church and we’ve each other.

 

to pick fresh fruit, to sell scrap

free falling from dump trucks where we’re

first to forage and find. my

protector, my big brother,

 

trades up for dried fish, meat to eat.

sea to see we run to swim

with cousins, friends - our meek compound.

world riches, lusts to smother

 

our fun and freedom; such sweet

lives a gift from heaven’s High.

 

-Gary Edward Geraci