Public Lands

You guilt-trip
strangers into
softening their
step, turning
brittle heads
on their lilted
poles, exodus
of innocence.

You listen,
or stay behind.
Illegible
shrouds coalesce
the dotted line.
Dinner bell
descends,
children flock
home.

Over the hill.
Beyond the pale.
You stand
on splintered
promises.
Absolving air.
Spacious.
Clear.
For all
to reconcile.