“Once there was a little town … Queenstown, New Zealand.”

Once there was a little town, rich cafes abound,

Yet homeless workers wander, nowhere to be found.

Cafes adorned with luxury, and fake displays. 

In this little town, it’s the worker who pays.

Once there was a little town, surrounded by beautiful mountains tall,

but the water was contaminated, a cruel fate for all.

People longed for a sip, to quench their thirst so deep.

In this little town, their dreams were hard to keep.

Once there was a little town, full of pretty houses-grand,

yet people couldn't live within, on this blessed land.

Homes that stood so proud, with stories left untold.

In this little town, their warmth turned cold.

Once there was a little town, rich cafes abound,

Yet homeless workers wander, nowhere to be found.

Cafes adorned with luxury, and fake displays. 

In this little town, it’s the worker who pays.

Once there was a little town, with cars, bikes and campervans to show,

But they couldn't find a space, nowhere to park and go.

Vehicles in tricky turns and endless queues.

In this little town, we wonder… Who rules?

Once there was a little town, with scenic routes so grand.

Attractive roads beckoned throughout the land,

but cones and machines obstructed, progress held at bay,

In this little town, frustration ruled the day.

Once there was a little town, bodies afloat in the stream,

A haunting sight, a dark, twisted dream.

Once vibrant, now eerie, this once-bustling place.

In this little town, the waters hold a grim embrace.

Once there was a little town, a social experiment's trend,

where the past and future seemed to blend.

A place of paradoxes, hopes, and despair.

In this little town, the normal seems unfair.