..6.. tree-hugging in poverty

at the start of a long walk, one can step lightly,
gently navigating paths with boulders and fallen trees.
as the altitude rises and the walk becomes increasingly grueling,
footsteps are placed less carefully,
mud collects on the insides of the ankles,
and boot toes occasionally catch tree roots.
how can a people struggling to feed themselves tread gently through the world?
or a new york businessman striving to fulfill societal ideas?
is the answer to lower our progressive ambitions and exist simply,
or is the answer a fatal self-consummation?