Seasons – Page 112

wandering the earth
easing pain and suffering
collecting last breaths
–
a copse of trees-
bones
amid the litter

northern white cedars
defying all odds, clinging
to the bare cliff face
–
crying gulls-
hatchling turtles
race to the sea

shellshocked and bleeding-
wandering the husk of a
demolished building
–
floating ash-
Nothing left but
deafening silence

misty morning run-
lake water rolls off the bow
oars dipping in sync
–
fingers entwined-
a light rain
ripples

scrub trees, weeds and vines
she reasserts her claim on
the urban landscape
–
pottery shards-
new growth rooted
in broken asphalt

salty air, your hair
blown about your face by the
wind off the water
–
rising smoke-
below decks
on the ferry.

my ghosted reflection-
grey faces in the windows
of the passing train
–
stunning vistas-
guardrails floating
above the road

my anger rising
holding back my tongue
while I try to breathe
–
irritation –
ring tails slip
into the shadows

bright may afternoons-
the vibrant splash of dogwoods
warm suburban yards
–
cirrus clouds-
among the flowers
surreptitious bees

time draws to a close-
I hold his hand, helping him
walk across this bridge
–
a pale horse-
the onus
of these souls