Heat – Iron Haiku

partly melted snow-
embers from the campfire rise
toward the gibbous moon
–
a distant glow-
wood smoke and laughter
carried on the wind

seventh floor walk up-
down in the street feral cats
howl in the moonlight
–
stuck to my sheets-
the only breeze
from a passing train

engulfed in blue flames-
as my life turns to ashes
I step out reborn
–
down among the ashes-
the rain arrives
far too late

february wind-
red cheeks burning from a cold
slap across the face
–
digging out-
melting snow
mingles with sweat

the first day of may-
tight buds become blossoms on
my crabapple tree
–
a flush of new green-
daffodils trumpet
the first of may

as I leave this world
I pour my soul into you-
one last parting gift
–
out of the fire-
a perfect vessel
cracked

april darkling skies-
picking up dry kindling for
the seasons last fire
–
well worn stories-
glowing embers
float skyward

softly glowing coals-
the gentle curve of your hips
make the snow drifts blush
–
afternoon sun-
rising streams
of snow melt

taunting the punters-
precariously balanced
just before the plunge
–
the village fete-
powdered sugar
dusts my shirt

a flame extinguished-
I conjure up the darkness
to reclaim your soul
–
whisps of smoke-
a mirror
in the dark