Heat

a symbol of strength
welcoming travelers that
seek her destruction
–
in the forest
of fallen oaks
a sapling grows

sleep so elusive
reliving memories in
my childhood bedroom
–
oppressive heat
clock watching
until sunrise

alone in the woods
dry rustling leaves in the wind
the snap of a twig
–
sear grasses
fueling the
inevitable

splintering sunlight
golden arrow shafts quiver
piercing the water
–
the dog days
interrupted by
shattered glass

sunflowers in bloom
all turning in unison
to bask in the sun
–
a salamander
atop a fence post
awaits the dawn

thin tendrils of smoke
weave the final tapestry
of a dying fire
–
rose petals
still warm from
the evening sun

gathering sunlight
wakes the tangled vines of shy
morning glory blooms
–
rustling leaves
a shaft of light
warming my cat

lips brushing her neck
the whisper of her shoulder
just touching my cheek
–
caught standing
in your warm
footprints

deck lights turning on
unexpected visitor’s
nose against the glass
–
rising smoke
camp fire
embers

slow rhythmic moonlight
shining across the surface
of a mountain lake
–
an old rope swings
calm lake water
before the fall