Gold Rush

Hello again, Bay:
Forced home of mine.
I didn't choose you-
you dragged me back
in a way cruel and unkind.

Hello again, California:
Home of the gold rush
that's been running for near
two hundred a year-
it still hasn't stopped.

With your fast pace
and beautiful face,
you put on quite the façade.
But I'm not fooled-
you're but a mine to me.

You tempt with opportunity
and fame and fortune.
You tempt with style
and security.

You lie.

I came for an education
and I'm watching that chance
being pulled under my feet.
Hello again, California.
To me, you are weak.

I know of a life of air
and trees and music.
I know of a place of joy
and pace and stars.
There, is my home.

It calls me daily,
caressing my heart and dream.
The Carolinas pull me in
as your bright polluting lights
push me out.

Enjoy your new crop,
your stock of hopefuls.
But as for me and my life,
I need to leave
the West Coast.

Copyright 2009, Colleen Sarah Rice