Azrael

wandering the earth
easing pain and suffering
collecting last breaths

a copse of trees-
bones
amid the litter

Darkness

working down towards
the bottom of a bottle
searching for solace

after the rain-
a raven
hewn from coal

River

standing on the bridge
cold wind blowing through his coat
patiently waiting

a lover’s kiss-
the river opens
to greet the sea

Rising

staying up all night
just to fall asleep with you
and the breaking dawn

frogs in the trees-
rising woodsmoke
staining the sunset

Reflection

it’s not who I am
this someone in the mirror
but who I became

a placid lake-
the moon’s watery
countenance

Light

the long autumn sun
shining through the turning leaves
of October trees

frosted windows-
winter morning light
spreads across my floor

Ice King

reaching for you as
just beyond my memory
you slip from my grasp

withered leaves-
parched soil runs
between my fingers

Extinguished

freshly turned earth falls
from the back of my shovel
burying the light

overcast skies-
a tenuous flame
turns to smoke

Gift

you are my center-
the sky above my head and
ground beneath my feet

autumn leaves-
take from me the
very air I breathe

Youth

staring at myself
the mirror reflecting my
wasted innocence

shoeless-
a ragged doll
on dusty road