Although I live in Albuquerque
I see Dickensian ghosts.
Not a single Pueblo, Apache or buffalo soldier ghost.
Many of the ghosts are Marley-esque
but draped in modern clothes.
Some wear cowboy hats atop their heads.
A significant number of the ghosts
migrated here from the antebellum south
and appear to be plantation owners.
Since they are all white, I think
Capitalism occasions ghosts
through shoddy treatment of the poor.
Not all the ghosts wear Marley’s rattling chains.
Some are wrapped in barbed wire.
Others pierced with many fly-fishing hooks.
I have wondered Why Albuquerque?
and Why not Albuquerque?
as their destination and residence.
I think I will organize a roundup
like the ghosts are cattle on open range
and then drive them—somewhere.
copyright © 2021 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 