Transformation

seeking inner peace
yearning to quench the darkness
that burns in my soul

wildfires-
a cold late
autumn rain

Pond

a thin skin of ice
on the koi pond slowly melts
in the morning sun

floating leaves-
autumn carp swim
in lazy circles

Overtaken

shutting out the crowd
absolutely enthralled by
the shape of your words

rising moon-
night rolls over
the winter hills

Sound

the sharp metal screech
of the trolley’s brakes snaps me
from my reverie

silver moonlight-
a screech owl perched
outside my window

Shock

putting down the phone
the harsh meaning of your words
doesn’t register

distant rain-
unexpected
lightning

Sense

waiting on my touch
your warm skin rising up in
anticipation

rose petals-
the taste of
your breath

Taste

embers burning low-
on the rim of my wine glass
crimson lipstick stains

lingering-
ruby lips and
a good bordeaux

Destinations

southward flying geese
their long journey just begun
as mine is ending

warm boots-
my old dog’s
snowy muzzle

Impotence

by her bedroom door
listening to my daughter
cry herself to sleep

leafless boughs-
no resistance to
the howling winds

Tragedy

echoing silence-
bodies strewn haphazardly
on the downtown streets

an absence of birds-
villagers gather fish
in the receding sea