I remember this land,

when the desert laughed at the rain

and the hills danced

under the sun.

Long ago, before

the trees were uprooted

and urban decay

scarred the valley with pox.

When the cactus

chased the rabbit

and the Raven conspired

to murder its brother Crow.

As the tortoise yawned,

time played on,

a game of Chess with man.

The Rook took the Queen

as the Pawn took the Knight

while the King lost his crown.

Yet, I remember a time

when the tumbleweeds

gossip was the only

news in town.