Distortion

a toad on his throne
surrounded by those mirrors
that show him a prince

rain streaked windows-
the world outside
distorted

Loss

hug your children tight
for tonight there are parents
who won’t get that chance

barren trees-
young branches
devoid of leaves

Reclamation

an empty city-
young maples rises up through
the broken sidewalk

an old plow-
reclaimed
by the forest

Homeless

asleep on a bench
the hard rap of a nightstick
startles him awake

dark rain-
wet newspaper
her only refuge

Departure

the sliding doors shut
as the train pulls away I’m
still on the platform

changing winds-
the last robin
takes wing

Glutton

surrounded by wealth
still dissatisfied with the
overabundance

winter rain-
runnels
overflowing

Chips

over chips and drinks
the sounds of friendship filter
through my old screen door

dark windows-
piles of chips
shufflled cards

Morning

our fingers entwined-
the dusky blush of daybreak
mirrored in your face

the rising sun-
my finger traces
along your lips

Future

going to bed late
dreading the dawn for who knows
what the day may bring

blowing snow-
the coarse growl
of a passing train

Slipping Out

walking on eggshells
at the door I stop and turn-
you’re watching me leave

predawn-
hard and cold
the bedroom floor