Beach – Page 11 – Iron Haiku

perfectly flat stones
skipping on a gentle arc
across the water
–
a quiet splash-
willow branches
touch the water

on this lonesome road
my only legacy the
footprints in the dust
–
empty shells-
ocean waves
wash the shore

the sun reaching down
tenderly kissing the edge
of the atlantic
–
sandpipers-
morning waves
kiss my feet

alone on the dock-
staring into the remnants
of the setting sun
–
skipping stones-
bats take wing
before the moon

walking side by side
my constant companion long
before I met you
–
ebb tide-
our footprints
in the sand

iron seas and skies
sailing into the north wind
my face to the rain
–
solitude-
my paddle dips
into glassy water

the day’s work is done
a blanket of fog settles
over bleaching bones
–
curling water-
the soft rattle
of empty shells

thoughts of the fallen-
those who purchased our freedoms
with their flesh and blood
–
old glory-
a red haze blinding
the dogs of war

northern white cedars
defying all odds, clinging
to the bare cliff face
–
crying gulls-
hatchling turtles
race to the sea

misty morning run-
lake water rolls off the bow
oars dipping in sync
–
fingers entwined-
a light rain
ripples