Shore

awash in the surf
my toes buried in the stars
strewn across the sky

ebb tide-
crushed shells
and hermit crabs

Carving

left in a doorway
the simple offering of
a small jade Buddha

the slanting sun-
putting to bed the
last work of the day

Rising

frost on the windows-
heat from the radiator
rustles the curtains

warm boots-
glowing embers
adrift in the smoke

Betrayal

guttering gas lamps
weakly lighting the platform
where she waits, in vain

the scent of jasmine-
a silent stream
turns to ice

Scorched

before the thunder
a flash of jagged lightning
frozen in the snow

august sagebrush-
ravenous flames
insatiable

Falling

sprinting to your door
the rain soaked newspaper held
just over my head

staccato whispers-
light rain falling
through the trees

Lovers

life can be fickle
hold your lover close tonight
before it’s too late

a darkened doorway-
your soft lips hard
against mine

Ciara

a sprit of fire
shining brightly in the night
dowsed before it’s time

all at once-
the dancing flame
now only smoke

Decisions

entwined in the sheets
last night you were in my bed
complicating things

a cold rain-
leaving alone
at closing time

Willow

a warm southern breeze
long willow boughs sway gently
caressing the earth

spring rains-
the willow’s soft tears
darken the ground