Fire

rising from a dream
tasting a memory that’s
almost elusive
–
floating-
beholden to the wind
over a rising sun

surrounded by friends
sitting around the campfire
retelling old tales
–
clearing skies-
broken branches
new neighbors

night at terlingua
the glow of the fire beneath
a blanket of stars
–
desert sands-
rising embers
greet the stars

candle lit windows
on the way to Rodanthe
fending off the night
–
the fire’s glow-
darkness
at my back

a saddle blanket-
the only thing found between
my jeans and my horse
–
horseshoes-
the coal forge
cherry red

coupling freight cars-
clouds of smoke darken the air
throughout the rail yard
–
startled crows-
smoke and coal ash
fill the sky

roaring bonfires burn-
shadows of ancient stones paint
the salisbury plain
–
waning daylight-
a crow stands guard
over those long dead

the burning forests-
gaia’s tears turn to embers
borne off by the wind
–
peals of thunder-
rain falling
on a wild fire

ebony leaves strewn
across an indigo sky
fading out to black
–
moonless-
the warm glow
of a distant fire

thoughts of the fallen-
those who purchased our freedoms
with their flesh and blood
–
old glory-
a red haze blinding
the dogs of war