We love to live along the shore,
in the dune
and hear the water’s roar,
but oh, so soon,

we discovered hostility
lurking all around.
Were we destined for misery;
might an answer be found?

Each spring they fly —
drones of might
circling the sky —
the most deadly termite.

And so a barrier was placed
in the ground
circling our living space
safety all around.

Our house wouldn’t be a hovel;
the wood would not crumble;
we could sigh mightily —
now living in a toxic bubble
with a ten-year warranty.