My Neighborhood - Dec. 26, 2025

I know where the rat’s nest

mosquito’s hangout

and crickets convene

there’s s house that smokes

pot and one with trees

called smoke

dying yards of dead cactus

and hidden ones beyond

tall muscular walls,

and through cracks and on

tiptoes, I see empty pools -

big animal traps minus spikes

and those with floaties

lounge chairs and towels

poised for liquid blue fun

neighbors are the best part,

saved last, like dessert

cakes and ice cream

cookies, pies and puddings

with one sour cherry dish

I’m still trying to figure out