Faith – Page 8 – Iron Haiku

Hair

blonde and auburn leaves
kissed by the first touch of fall
decorate my lawn
–
home from work-
she tosses her hair
on the bed

down by the river
releasing slights collected
after all these years
–
on my back-
the weight of countless
grains of sand

still she counts the ships-
her thick wool sweater stained red
with the setting sun
–
date night-
she sits at a table
set for one

slow rhythmic rocking
as I’m drawn deep into you
my lover the sea
–
crying gulls-
lost in your
cold embrace

plying the trade winds-
seeking safe harbor under
an ocean of sky
–
rolling seas-
sails reefed
before the storm

all the leaves scattered
standing despite itself but
rotten at the core
–
a forest altar-
oaken pews
standing empty

hundreds of candles-
an unlit testament to
this empty vigil
–
tumbled stone-
autumn’s first light
warms the piazza

monsters in my head
clamor at the gates of hell
screaming to be let out
–
the hiss of rain-
slow scratching
under my bed

shut in this fortress
long days spent looking over
my kingdom of sand
–
rising tides-
my castle begins
to crumble

tiny ballet shoes-
waiting for the curtain in
crinoline and lace
–
sunday afternoon-
long hours
at the barre