January 2017 – Page 2

frost on the windows-
heat from the radiator
rustles the curtains
–
warm boots-
glowing embers
adrift in the smoke

guttering gas lamps
weakly lighting the platform
where she waits, in vain
–
the scent of jasmine-
a silent stream
turns to ice

before the thunder
a flash of jagged lightning
frozen in the snow
–
august sagebrush-
ravenous flames
insatiable

sprinting to your door
the rain soaked newspaper held
just over my head
–
staccato whispers-
light rain falling
through the trees

life can be fickle
hold your lover close tonight
before it’s too late
–
a darkened doorway-
your soft lips hard
against mine

a sprit of fire
shining brightly in the night
dowsed before it’s time
–
all at once-
the dancing flame
now only smoke

averting my eyes
pretending not to notice
your scars and bruises
–
cherry copper leaves-
the distant crash
of rutting stags

entwined in the sheets
last night you were in my bed
complicating things
–
a cold rain-
leaving alone
at closing time

a warm southern breeze
long willow boughs sway gently
caressing the earth
–
spring rains-
the willow’s soft tears
darken the ground

as winter arrives
fog seeps into the valley
under a veiled moon
–
harvest moon-
the arthritic fingers
of barren trees