Courtship

nervously sitting
in the theatre next to him
thighs almost touching

peacocks
dancing in the
monsoon rains

Humanity

black and blue and bruised
pinned to the ropes but fighting
for our very souls

a hard rain
drenches all
with no regard

Renewal

lacy wings dry while
the husk of its former self
tumbles to the ground

an oak seedling
seeks purchase
in the leaf litter

Aura

when I’m in shadow
you pull me into the light
and show me the sun

old driftwood
a salamander
basking

Deceit

tiny little lies
the mortar between the stones
of my foundation

morning
glistening on
silken threads

Currents

swaying water grass
iridescent dragonflies
hover in the breeze

gusting wind
ripples in
the lavender

Waterfall

long flowing tresses
cascade down from her shoulders
swirling at her feet

running
fast and free
into the future

Eventide

the sun’s departure
as the day draws to a close
burns the ombré sky

fireflies
against the
dawn of night

Tranquility

after the bowl sings
so peacefully sits the monk
in meditation

calm water
reflective of
inner peace

Bigotry

the thinnest veneer
of our civilization
so easily torn

scissors-
crisp, fresh
white sheets