eyes of the beholder

shattered limbs and appendages,

digging trenches into cracked and sun-baked dirt.

they told you there was treasure here,

but the search has only caused you harm,

yes, you're short of something special,

clawing, gouging with your nails.

frantic, yearning for the high that praise

awakens in your secondhand blackened lungs.

about to give up, your swiping slowing,

but then you see the flash,

a cascade of glitter was hidden deep,

and you cradle it in your arms.

but all you see is your captor's piteous look

and a sneer from his beloved,

before you look and found you've gathered

a nest of maggots in a bundle.