02-10-25: Welcome to Jacksonville! (Villanelle)

Gem of the bright green hills

Thanks to those who came before

Her roads are never still

Donations do not fill

What money needs restore

Gem of the bright green hills

Hammer clanks, whirring drill

60 days to close or more

Her roads are never still

Older seal, boards stand still

Bricks are sight and sore

Gem of the bright green hills

Drainage pipes don’t fit the bill

Destroy the asphalt floor

Her roads are never still

North avenue, bitter pill

A closure meant to be for

Gem of the bright green hills

Her roads are never still

-Madeline Ricard