Distance – Page 77

silently stoic
the weathered lighthouse still stands
off in the distance
–
the setting sun
barely visible
through the fog

bobcats and black bear
mark their territory in
the suburban wild
–
predawn-
awakened again
by coyotes

I shed my skin and
hang another skeleton
deep in my closet
–
alone
with my fetid
alter ego

after a brief rest
a bevy of mourning doves
suddenly takes flight
–
released
upon wings
across the sun
dedicated to Philip Rigney

unkempt and homeless
in need of a shower and
a touch of kindness
–
pray that fate
doesn’t bring you
to my level

a warm summer night
the plaintive cries of a fox
echo from the woods
–
a burrow
tail wrapped
around her kits

since you got sent home
I’ve been sitting by your side
praying you’ll return
–
waiting-
trying not
to lose hope

don’t gamble on me
there’s far too much at stake and
you don’t know the score
–
what you see
I choose
to show

longing for the time
when there is no one to please
and nowhere to be
–
cherished,
those few minutes
between calls

I’m never alone
my ally, my enemy
you’re always with me
–
ever present
that little voice
of self doubt