AN ABANDONED ROAD There 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 walks It grows thick and tall, the grass that was once held at bay Dared not to rise where tramping feet would crush But staged on edge where cruel ungainly winds Vent their wrath unceasingly with rain and dust It has conquered now, for slowly the grinding ceased And the lighter steps dwindled with the laughter it had known It dared to rise between the ruts and bend To hide the scars from some stray steps that roam And intrude upon their sanctuary, where conquered winds Hold not the lash of yore, but with gentleness obey The lull moods of quiet rains, the brushed air That shrouds the stillness of an abandoned road | A Tribute To ANTONETTE by Lee Olofson, Hardcover | Indigo Chapters