Rising

frost on the windows-
heat from the radiator
rustles the curtains

warm boots-
glowing embers
adrift in the smoke

Scorched

before the thunder
a flash of jagged lightning
frozen in the snow

august sagebrush-
ravenous flames
insatiable

Humid

grey curls of wet smoke-
the kiss of embers linger
on her ruby lips

midnight sweat-
a lazy ceiling fan
stirs the air

Rising

by the temple gates
burning incense left as a
simple offering

hot springs-
steam rising from
the snow monkeys

Waste

stolen innocence-
inured to constant violence
and lost empathy

distant wildfires
a false sunset in
the eastern sky

New England

air laced with woodsmoke
thick with a rich silence as
the rain turns to snow

twilight
listening to
the snow fall

Grief

frantically rushing
worried that I’ll be late for
my disappointment

winter’s breath
making the trek
to an empty woodbin

Vermilion

the last vestige
of the sinking evening sun
sets the sky alight

painted hillsides
a winding road turns
though burning leaves

Faith

an icy black rain
the autumn harvest freezes
while still in the field

a desert night
cold hard water
feeds the fire

Crimson

the low morning sun
behind a red crepe myrtle
it’s branches aflame

fresh snow
blowing alight the coals
of last nights fire