waterfront property

once an abandoned

junkyard

where people would dispose

of washers and dryers,

rusted cars, it was now

waterfront property.

the storm sewers

were diverted onto the field 

in front of the apartments.

eventually it filled up

becoming a mud pie. but

in time it was three feet deep

with stagnant water.

birds flew in.

a turtle or two appeared.

but you didn't want to be down

wind of it, sitting on

your balcony.

real estate prices rose.

they called it Lake Side

and named the streets Heron

and Admiral.

nautical type names.

it was real estate genius

101, until malaria broke out.