DISGUISED

The prize was hidden

the treasure lost

as so many are

by a selfish need to protect it

from anyone who might covet its beauty.

To keep safe the adored

it was disguised

transfigured

inadvertently altered in identity

taken away

forever.

Buried in the sand

all markers were quickly blown away

never to be found.

The map? Useless.

The hiding place? Perfect.

The prize? Gone.

Missing.

Hidden

eternally

which was almost what was desired.

Almost

but not quite.