Love – Page 38 – Iron Haiku

Patience

my heart held hostage
as a testament to your
faith in my return
—
waiting-
my heart
as collateral

the cricket’s refrain
raspy in the evening woods
fades as the night falls

–

evening woods-
crickets fade
as midnight nears

a paper lantern
carried aloft on the breeze
lights the evening sky

—

twilight-
illuminated by
a passing lantern

A tendril of smoke

Rises from her cigarette

As she sits alone

Hatred is easy
Love and compassion require
Effort and hard work.

Shards of your anger
Litter the ground around you
Keeping me at bay

With trepidation

I plant a kiss on your lips

Hoping it takes root

I took for granted

Always waking up next to

Your side of the bed

Darkness enshrouds me
While subtle forces gently
Send me toward the light

An old cigarette
And me, both discarded trash
That once touched your lips