Misdirection

pulling on my hand
leading me into darkness
blind to your intent

autumn’s glory
reflections in
our tiny screens

War

wet and matted hair
cold rain, hot blood, and cordite
soak into the dirt

a sparrow-
perched on
a ruined shell

Currents

dark, ominous skies
grey terns perched on a buoy
turned to face the wind

roiling water
gulls soar effortlessly
above the rocky shoals

Weary

bone tired, weary
driven forward all the while
dragging this baggage

shimmering heat
an old prospector
pulls at his burro

Missing

lingering on a
sea of empty promises
wet with resentment

dripping-
an eagle’s
empty talons

Vermilion

the last vestige
of the sinking evening sun
sets the sky alight

painted hillsides
a winding road turns
though burning leaves

Immediacy

ice over fresh snow
the delicate crust holds me
momentarily

warm green grass
a raindrop rolls
down my cheek

Passage

a flash of silver
bright water patters and breaks
the woodland silence

finally unfettered
carried aloft
on golden wings

Future

flooded rice paddies
on the roadside sheaves of straw
drying in the sun

high spring sun
nimble fingers
sowing wheat

Faith

an icy black rain
the autumn harvest freezes
while still in the field

a desert night
cold hard water
feeds the fire