Concepts – Page 37

long morning shadows
the first sign of winter falls
from the autumn sky
–
winter’s finger
paint on my
window panes

standing in judgement
my perceived righteousness trumps
your humanity
–
seething
holding back
the avalanche

dry mouthed and sweaty
frozen in front of a crowd
my practiced speech, gone
–
black water
at the precipice
of hesitationD

a warm ombré sky
the slowly turning sunlight
at the edge of night
–
green waters
tadpoles weave
through the rushes

wrapped in a blanket
of condolence and comfort
still mired in grief
–
shooting stars
crossing skyward
on golden wings

searching for respite
from the stalkers in the night
attacking my toes
–
morning dew
gossamer threads
catch the sunrise

ashen faced, burning
private humiliations
displayed in public
–
pine boughs
a glimpse
of scarlet

walking through the storm
cold rain running down her back
her umbrella, home
–
hammered tin
the slow drip of rain
through the roof

clinging to the flames
my mortal sins escape me
carried by the wind
–
absolution
casting bread
upon the water

small talk in their booth
a dinner plate shatters and
she’s back in Iraq
–
turning winds
a yearling doe
prepares to bolt