Elemental – Page 25

one final look back
collar turned up against the
horizontal rain
–
spring peepers-
the rain of snare drums
on the forest floor

the long autumn sun
shining through the turning leaves
of October trees
–
frosted windows-
winter morning light
spreads across my floor

a lone egret stands
beneath a spreading chestnut
sheltered from the rain
–
thunder snow-
after images of
white lighting

freshly turned earth falls
from the back of my shovel
burying the light
–
overcast skies-
a tenuous flame
turns to smoke

you are my center-
the sky above my head and
ground beneath my feet
–
autumn leaves-
take from me the
very air I breathe

a guttering flame
struggling to hold the wick
before going out
–
roiling clouds-
searing winds blow
the grasslands ablaze

the hum of the road
whispering it’s lullaby
rocking me to sleep
–
empty conch shells-
a rush of warm surf
overcomes me

lighted by the sun
her spectral visage hanging
in the morning sky
–
slanted light-
the virgin sun
greets the moon

a banging screen door
the ghosts of conversations
echo in the wind
–
merciless sun –
the empty ring
of wind chimes

walking in the tide
my temporary footprints
too soon forgotten
–
gentle flurries-
fresh tracks lead
to the birdbath