Disputed Tread

by Hazel Hall (1886-1924)

Where she steps a whir,Like dust about her feet,Follows after herDown the dustless street.

Something struggles there:The forces that contendViolently as to whereHer pathway is to end.

Issues, like great hands, gripAnd wrestle for her tread;One would strive to trip,And one would go ahead.

Conflicting strengths in her Grapple to guide her feet,Raising an unclean whir,Like dust, upon the street.