No Mermaid’s Toes by Jesse Hilson

Star jasmine, jacaranda, 

Trees in yards overhanging sidewalks.

The Cupertino hot tub was primo real estate.

We had to compete with children

Of Silicon Valley immigrants

For space in the bubbling water.

Things that don’t exist anymore,

Like an ancient marble statue’s missing arms.

I have to quit pointing it out,

That you’re a fragment.

Now, your body is double fictional.

Like mermaid’s toes, as Keats would say.