Reality Faced

As quiet motoring ascends

chauffeur remembrances abound

From lessor plans

does this essence come

where once dirt-covered driveway

now adorned by heated concrete

reducing winter's ice to vapor

to pedestal Michelins X

Where once scrub oak ran amuck

Gold Hinoki cypress trees line the driveway

embracing switchbacks to the fortress façade

behind rolling hills the Wall Street mote begat

Hesitant eyes turn from smoked window

to manicured hands folding silk hem over exposed flesh

as if couturiere pampering could insulate the Haves

while peering from bullet-proofed windows at the Have-Nots

Bent backs of gardeners

beneath shredded threads of cotton

straighten to smile their faces of pain

to nod what's expected

to nod with requited obedience

to nod for survival

The Bentley proceeds

its hubris aglow with

gold flecked adornment

chrome in reserve

maintaining modest gluttony

Arched as half coliseum

alike ancient ruin sans crumbling stone

granite storied estate looms above

its extended arms hovering about

the stop

the exit

the entrance

Alcove of marble

dotted like chess pieces astray

maid and butler

servant this

and servant that

await their daily fate

Ignoring the ceremony

she ascends the grand staircase

he gazes after

same question never answered

Retiring to his retreat aka study

he closes the doors

latches tight

stands a moment

finally sliding

back to wall

wall to floor

his slumped respite

eyes fixed on walled library

color coordinated spines

all the classics

all the must reads

all unopened

A little girl picks a flowered weed

hands it to hunched back mother

the spade is laid aside

mother and child

A smile

A touch

Another reality