Paved Over

Trails connect trails
through these woodlands
walked from period to period,
paleo to post-modern.

Treaties have made the steps
easier for some and more painful
and deadly for those who shared
the space for living their lives.

Slick service and bringing
in the lead and gold prevailed 
over values told and possibilities
for calls of patience and comfort.

Now, this place is paved for parking
lot conversations held by those who
say they need no refuge but continue 
to ask, How does everybody feel?