Liars

subtle subversions
deflection, misdirection-
tools of the liar

a rocky stream-
mockingbirds
in the wood

Farm

stalks of winter wheat
growing through the rusty frame
of an old tractor

rising light-
a tattered scarecrow
greets the sun

Confusion

worn and creaky stairs-
cobwebs draped in the corners
of her addled mind

rising fog-
a futile search
for clarity

Caution

brake light in the fog
dozens of burning red eyes
peering through the mist

clearing haze-
wet leaves on
dangerous curves

Silence

deafening silence-
either speak out or admit
your complicity

becalmed-
the sea reclaims
what’s rightly hers

Trust

full of suspicions-
in our bed looking at you
lying beside me

crevasse-
a broken trust
far from healing

Decline

a chance encounter
just glimpse of your face then
you’re lost in the crowd

incoming tide-
all these memories
built on sand

Ruin

violent currents
slake their thirst with sailor’s lives
by the gates of hell

jagged ice-
ancient wrecks
litter the narrows

Homeless

in the stinging rain
waiting by the library
for the doors to open

sleeping rough-
water from the downspout
soaking his coat

Snare

trapped in the darkness
never wanting to leave this
beautiful nightmare

hoarfrost-
webs frozen
on the moor