Distance – Page 64

lazy curls of steam
glowing in the rays of the
slanting winter sun
–
the north wind-
warming my hands
on a hot cup of tea

on a gilded throne
far from the unwashed masses
counting his money
–
gauzy clouds-
spreading gold
on the ocean

my view, distorted
looking up from the bottom
of this hole I’ve dug
–
a rimy pond-
peering up through
frozen cataracts

cold drops of silver
spill into the open mouth
of the crescent moon
–
starlight-
a barn owl glides
through leafless trees

standing before you
silent and overexposed
awaiting judgement
–
whitecaps-
riding the edge
of an avalanche

becoming August
fevered skin, heat lightning, and
the promise of rain
–
an azure pond-
fish break the surface
amid the evening rain

sitting on the dock
losing patience waiting for
my ship to come in
–
a cold hard rain-
the dog brings
her leash

falling off my bike
I become one with the earth
for just a moment
–
june twilight-
our vows float away
on paper lanterns

swallowing my doubts
returning day after day
in case you wake up
–
patchwork sunlight-
I brush the sleep
from your lips

on the precipice
staring out into the void
and back at myself
–
barren branches-
a great horned owl
spreads her wings