Shore

whitewashed beach shanties-
a path of crushed coral ends
at the ebbing tide

salt air-
a gull’s cry
above the surf

Contract

under a blood moon-
take my name from off your lips
and release my soul

wet ink-
my name
bound to you

Horizon

alone and asea-
drifting on the line between
the ocean and sky

eventide-
the sun ignites
a fiery sea

Absolution

alone at the bar-
a campari and soda
by a full ashtray

neon lights-
my reflection in
an empty glass

Catharsis

the sins of the past-
mixed with the cooling ashes
from the evening fire

dragonflies-
old misdeeds cast
upon the water

Morning

the garden abed-
ivory morning glories
closed against the night

morning dew-
a honeybee drinks
from a lambs ear

Moonlight

bright mid-winter stars-
your alabaster shoulders
dressed by the ghost moon

rumpled sheets-
asleep intertwined
blanketed by the moon

Leaves

dry and brittle leaves-
remnants of an early fall
captive in the snow

crisp white linens-
leaves tumble
in the wind

London

wrought iron street lamps-
ancient cobblestones vanish
in the rising fog

echos of hooves-
a hansom cab
lost in the mist

Pastoral

an old farmer’s wall-
nestled in amongst the stones
sprigs of verdant moss

clanking bells-
a worn cowpath
leading home