Afternoon – Page 44

quietly cracking-
gentle waves frozen within
the river’s surface
–
irrigation pond-
young skaters
scarves and gloves

the incoming tide
laps the shore and erases
our sandy footprints
–
whispering surf-
driftwood
in the reeds

the solar transit
far to brief indeed on this
winter solstice day
–
winter reborn-
I depart and return
in darkness

seeking inner peace
yearning to quench the darkness
that burns in my soul
–
wildfires-
a cold late
autumn rain

freshly cut lilies
pure and white and beautiful
laid upon his chest
–
city streets-
a blanket
of fresh snow

a thin skin of ice
on the koi pond slowly melts
in the morning sun
–
floating leaves-
autumn carp swim
in lazy circles

warm spring afternoon
rolling down a grassy hill
into a mass grave
–
wispy clouds-
grass stains and
smiling faces

shutting out the crowd
absolutely enthralled by
the shape of your words
–
rising moon-
night rolls over
the winter hills

my cupped hands hiding
the glow of a cigarette
behind the garage
–
cold rain-
ignoring my phone
before last call

waiting on my touch
your warm skin rising up in
anticipation
–
rose petals-
the taste of
your breath