Animal – Iron Haiku

ripples from skipped stones-
a startled box turtle slips
beneath the surface
–
sudden silence-
dragonflies rest
on dimpled water

a windswept sandbar-
terns and driftwood bear witness
to the passing clouds
–
the water’s edge-
a plover’s tracks
turn to sea

approaching daybreak-
the sea air rimed with salt and
the taste of seaweed
–
sand and foam-
the gull’s cry
lingers

shining white marble-
the mourning dove comes to rest
on a lion’s mane
–
time worn steps-
halfway between patience
and fortitude

herons in the reeds-
crabs hide under stones after
the overnight rain
–
river rocks-
barbel catfish lurk
in the shadows

engulfed in blue flames-
as my life turns to ashes
I step out reborn
–
down among the ashes-
the rain arrives
far too late

highway median-
long neglected grasses sway
with the passing cars
–
towering light pole-
a red tailed hawk
spots it’s prey

leaves soft underfoot-
in the dawning mist great oaks
fade into the sky
–
blackbird-
morning fog
through the trees

whitewashed beach shanties-
a path of crushed coral ends
at the ebbing tide
–
salt air-
a gull’s cry
above the surf

the morning commute-
unexpected lavender blossoms
along the roadside
–
traffic-
a glimpse of
an osprey