Breaking Ground

Before the bell, there was a yard. Before the yard was paved, there was play.

Breaking Ground is a six-poem cycle about what gets taken when no one's watching — games measured into labor, trees replaced with metal, smiles reflected back until they feel true. A Phantom walks the grounds. The children work. The mirror tells them they're fine.

Somewhere under the concrete, something is still growing.

A grim little fairy tale for anyone who's been told their joy was wasteful. Quiet, layered, and meant to be read twice.

**~1,200 words | Poetry | Allegory**