AN ABANDONED ROADThere is a path now where once there was a road Where smooth brown earth and jaded rocks Fell away in deep depression The trail of wheels and neighing horses and of lighter walksIt grows thick and tall, the grass that was once held at bayDared not to rise where tramping feet would crushBut staged on edge where cruel ungainly windsVent their wrath unceasingly with rain and dustIt has conquered now, for slowly the grinding ceasedAnd the lighter steps dwindled with the laughter it had knownIt dared to rise between the ruts and bendTo hide the scars from some stray steps that roamAnd intrude upon their sanctuary, where conquered windsHold not the lash of yore, but with gentleness obeyThe lull moods of quiet rains, the brushed airThat shrouds the stillness of an abandoned road 3