Fear – Page 24 – Iron Haiku

deep under water
looking back at the surface
as I sink farther
–
valentines day-
ice cracks
beneath my feet

in my father’s chair
still unprepared to carry
this heavy burden
–
fallen acorns-
my little feet
in your shoes

a pair of sneakers
found by the side of the road
after the cleanup
–
waiting crows-
a possum’s
sacrifice

the darkness complete-
standing on the precipice
shouting at the void
–
the village green-
I hunt for the
elusive middle

a toad on his throne
surrounded by those mirrors
that show him a prince
–
rain streaked windows-
the world outside
distorted

hug your children tight
for tonight there are parents
who won’t get that chance
–
barren trees-
young branches
devoid of leaves

asleep on a bench
the hard rap of a nightstick
startles him awake
–
dark rain-
wet newspaper
her only refuge

going to bed late
dreading the dawn for who knows
what the day may bring
–
blowing snow-
the coarse growl
of a passing train

tufts of rabbit fur
strewn across the forest floor
beneath the owls nest
–
burning sands-
the condor casts
a broad shadow

lighting up the sky-
the glow of paper lanterns
adrift in the night
–
evening stroll-
the dance
of fireflies