Common Land

The land that I’ve been on.
The land I could have lived on.
I look and turn away.
And know the seeds have blown away.

I made my start here.
I played my part here.
I planted dreams that soon took root.
I planted trees that promised fruits.
And then the winds came.

You can sow the seeds
on the common land.
You can take the earth
in the palm of your hand.
You can feel the land.
You can touch the land.
You can sleep on the land.
When the winds have gone.

I’d like to farm on the common land.
I’d like to work on the common land.
I’d like to live on the common land.
But the seeds have gone.

Now I wish the land was green.
I want all the things
that are now only dreams.
The earth was dust
and fell through my hand.
And the seeds were blown
from the common land.

1976, September