Even Footing

Paul walks alone
deep in thought
through the aspen grove
toward the ponderosas.

He ponders gender assignments
as a quiet form of violence
constructed in biblical times
by someone powerful and totally freaked out.

Paul feels for the disappeared
who are catholic
and die in some lonely place
never to receive last rights.

Paul moves into a metaphysical space
where angels and semi-forgotten gods
hang out with animals and humans
all bodiless and free.