Chance – Page 35 – Iron Haiku

my temper flares up
in the heat of the moment
yet I’m the one burned
–
desert sun-
my ego buried
in the sand

hoping against hope
to stem the incoming tide
and still it rises
–
august-
forsaken
by the sun

thick solemn silence
dozens of flag draped coffins
lining the tarmac
–
echoes of summer-
shell casings
in a folded flag

jealous of our affections
in full view of everyone
the moon steals the sun
–
midday-
the spotlight
stolen

your small fragile hand
once grasped so tightly in mine
now a hardened fist
–
clear blue sky-
learning to fly
on the way down

out of the shadows
and into the light of day
burning in the sun
–
august sun-
wreaths of flowers
wilting by the roadside

the lust for power
buried in the hearts of men
exhumed far too soon
–
hesitation-
the sharp crack
of thin ice

surrounded by friends
sitting around the campfire
retelling old tales
–
clearing skies-
broken branches
new neighbors

open to the cold
exposed and vulnerable
naked and alone
–
new life-
tempted
by the light

head back and arms wide
inviting the elements
to do what they will
–
an umbrella-
defenseless in
the light of day