Results
by Cathy-Ann

acres of cotton spreading unbalanced
against the winter draught; fallow grounds
covered with sage brush and cockleburs:
forcing crop production where none had been before.
dirt blows to the east and settles
in the pit of some hill destined
to block the onslaught of cold
winds and unfiltered dust.
small children wearing masks as
they play in the parks, protecting
their fragile lungs from inhaling the
floating debris
gone are the arrowheads carefully placed in the
soil; a lifestyle of working within the rules of
nature, developing a relationship in which
everyone benefited
untamed rivers and tributaries
flowed freely over the land.
fertile top soil settling along the riverbeds,
carving stories for future generations, the
resulting combination of concern and
respect sadly disappearing
children inhale steroids keeping their
fragile airways clear, not realizing
the price they must pay.

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