Murder

on the village green
the shadows of injustice
hang from an oak tree

greasy smoke-
torches light
a darkened path

Passage

simple linen shrouds-
worn at a time when we are
all truly equal

graveside-
the hollow echo
of falling earth

Atonement

alone with my sins-
I pray for atonement and
for the strength to change

overcast-
rain runs down
stained glass

Hair

blonde and auburn leaves
kissed by the first touch of fall
decorate my lawn

home from work-
she tosses her hair
on the bed

Island

at work dreaming of
a caribbean romance
before summer ends

a dockside bar
rum runners and
buffet tunes

Shore

a horseshoe crab shell
empty in the shadow of
an upturned rowboat

moonlit surf-
the lifeguard tower
stands empty

Distance

feeling out of place
out of time and out of mind
without you with me

unfamiliar stars-
in hotel sheets
missing you

Mermaid

the sea in the wind
salt, sand, and tropical sun
tangled in her hair

amid the waves-
she watches ships
ply her waters

Trouble

you think things are bad
why not try rolling your eyes
at me one more time

crows take flight-
under the elm
a shallow grave

Summer

clumps of garden weeds-
the summer sun warms my back
and eases my mind

a golden breeze-
the wind caught
in her hair