Hunger – Page 22 – Iron Haiku

I’ve struggled so long
stumbling through the darkness
blinded by the truth
–
awakening-
the light of
a false dawn

at the water’s edge
cattails and reeds bend leeward
softening the shore
–
the great salt marsh-
a blue heron wading
intently focused

roadmaps of black veins
crawl across her damaged arms
recording the hits
–
sheer bliss-
a wasp amid
the rose stems

weary of this need
yearning to see the sun but
your throat, so tempting
–
orion’s belt-
clouds of bats
obscure the moon

my better judgement
failing me once again for
momentary bliss
–
late summer-
the prayers
of the mantis

reaching for you as
just beyond my memory
you slip from my grasp
–
withered leaves-
parched soil runs
between my fingers

melting chips of ice
droplets chase my finger down
the small of your back
–
a distant tor-
morning dew bends
the desert grass

staring at myself
the mirror reflecting my
wasted innocence
–
shoeless-
a ragged doll
on dusty road

fresh blood on my lips
my kiss, a thief in the night
stealing your warm breath
–
ruby throat, emerald wings-
sliding in and out of
warm honeysuckles

lashed tight to the mast-
tempted by the siren song
of just one more drink
–
steaming pavement-
distant sirens bay
at the full moon