They fell as we say they do

across the path as I walked gently

not disturbing a thing or so I

told myself.

Each blade of grass, each tender shoot of growth and wriggling worm no worse the wear for my passing.

A short cut, as we can so easily name it. Yet

as I pass through the tall stalks and watch them press in behind me, falling, folding,

I wonder

have I really left no mark on the world?