Distance – Page 49

tattered autumn lace
drifting in the morning air
lofted by the breeze
–
leaf litter-
tulip poplars
shed their skin

gentle drops of rain
fall from the trees to collect
on my upturned face
–
quiet water-
minnows surface
beneath my shadow

a callous wind blows
through the cracks in these old bones
and broken windows
–
rusty mountains-
poppy fields in
a sniper’s scope

icy autumn breath
a sliver of the full moon
gazes down on me
–
morning run-
frozen leaves
crunch underfoot

waiting for the sun-
sitting on a weathered dock
fishing rod in hand
–
fly fishing-
casting shadows
on the water

coastal bittersweet-
north winds blow the raging sea
against the breakers
–
highland cliffs-
amethyst heather
in bloom

in silent anguish
the mute reach out for justice
their voices stolen
–
discordant music-
in the apple tree
a starling

staring at myself-
the bottom of a shot glass
looking back at me
–
oasis-
an empty carcass
in the sand

arid desert sands
old leather cracking in the
unforgiving sun
–
rising smoke-
a candle’s
last remnants

waning pewter clouds
part to reveal the dark moon
hidden in plain sight
–
silver threads-
weaving by
moonlight