Heat

light from the full moon
spills through the open window
and pools on the floor
–
waning
molten silver
moonlight

toiling at the fire
sweat rolls off the smithy’s face
and turns into steam
–
wide oak boughs
shadows
cross the forge

deep in the furnace
liquid glass, hotter than fire
waits for the artist
–
blown glass…
a moment
frozen in time

a warm summer night
the plaintive cries of a fox
echo from the woods
–
a burrow
tail wrapped
around her kits

since you got sent home
I’ve been sitting by your side
praying you’ll return
–
waiting-
trying not
to lose hope

faded cutoff shorts
bare feet out the car window
hair teased by the wind
–
hot skin
cool sheets
and promises

freshly mown spring grass
a frog hops to the safety
of an old stone wall
–
the bull frog
peeks out from
behind a stone

burnt umber thickets
briars silhouetted by
a russet sunset
–
brambles
illuminated by
the dying day

a feather’s tip nicks
the torn paper’s ragged edge
bleeding bright black ink
–
an obligation
the contract
signed in blood

a silken rose bud
opens with just a whisper
but only for me
–
red velvet and lemon
delicate blossoms
gently unfurl