Defiance

northern white cedars
defying all odds, clinging
to the bare cliff face

crying gulls-
hatchling turtles
race to the sea

Ruin

shellshocked and bleeding-
wandering the husk of a
demolished building

floating ash-
Nothing left but
deafening silence

Lake

misty morning run-
lake water rolls off the bow
oars dipping in sync

fingers entwined-
a light rain
ripples

Gaia

scrub trees, weeds and vines
she reasserts her claim on
the urban landscape

pottery shards-
new growth rooted
in broken asphalt

Sea

salty air, your hair
blown about your face by the
wind off the water

rising smoke-
below decks
on the ferry.

Watching

my ghosted reflection-
grey faces in the windows
of the passing train

stunning vistas-
guardrails floating
above the road

Frustration

my anger rising
holding back my tongue
while I try to breathe

irritation –
ring tails slip
into the shadows

Color

bright may afternoons-
the vibrant splash of dogwoods
warm suburban yards

cirrus clouds-
among the flowers
surreptitious bees

Fin

time draws to a close-
I hold his hand, helping him
walk across this bridge

a pale horse-
the onus
of these souls