Morning

approaching daybreak-
the sea air rimed with salt and
the taste of seaweed
–
sand and foam-
the gull’s cry
lingers

a long delayed train-
remnants of morning rain
steaming in the sun
–
the sun long set-
a silent queue
of glowing screens

shining white marble-
the mourning dove comes to rest
on a lion’s mane
–
time worn steps-
halfway between patience
and fortitude

february hush-
dawn reveals willows dressed in
january snow
–
sunrise-
crusted snow
underfoot

a neglected path-
moss hides a forgotten shrine
the small gods long gone
–
meditation-
clay teapots
dry in the sun

the soft eastern sky-
treetops gilded in copper
frame the rising sun
–
daybreak-
the furnace and I
struggle to wake up

standing by the sink-
I feel the warmth from your feet
on the bathroom floor
–
lost in your dreams-
I silence my alarm
before it wakes you

herons in the reeds-
crabs hide under stones after
the overnight rain
–
river rocks-
barbel catfish lurk
in the shadows

the soft light of dawn-
dim street lamps gutter above
aging cobblestones
–
threads of smoke-
last nights embers
turn to ash

october sunrise-
ivy on the stone facade
silver in the dew
–
grey stone walls-
saplings rooted
in old pastures