Rising

waking every day
under a threadbare blanket
to an empty bed

bleary eyed-
the crows outside
contemplate murder

Shock

ringing in the night –
hearing the sound of your voice
I fall to my knees

silent crickets-
two marines stand
in my doorway

Nothings

softly spoken words
meant for only you to hear-
whispers by your neck

our wedding duvet-
my open heart by
your sleeping ear

Depression

sharing in your pain-
my heart and soul wrapped around
your weary shoulders

staring at the floor-
the world rolls past
my window

Leaving

whispering my name-
the last word upon your lips
before you leave me

peeling paint-
the swinging gate
at my back

Spring

an early robin-
lichen covered granite steps
cut into the hill

holly berries-
amid the ivy
a cardinal

Lightning

a cool cloudy night-
the horizon aglow with
fingers of lighting

dry lightning-
fire licks the walks
of the arroyo

Candles

warm and supple light-
long trails of candle wax drip
and pool on the floor

candlelight-
shadows buffeted
by the wind

Stone

in a farmer’s wall
amid the moss and loose stones
frogs sing in the night

crickets-
rain traces
stone to stone

Puppeteer

up above the fray
just outside of the spotlight
he tugs on the strings

a rumpled hat-
his marionette dances
for loose change