Sky – Page 48 – Iron Haiku

lacy wings dry while
the husk of its former self
tumbles to the ground
–
an oak seedling
seeks purchase
in the leaf litter

when I’m in shadow
you pull me into the light
and show me the sun
–
old driftwood
a salamander
basking

the sun’s departure
as the day draws to a close
burns the ombré sky
–
fireflies
against the
dawn of night

a kestrel soaring
circling on warm updrafts
focused on its prey
–
wings swept
plummeting
earthward

light from the full moon
spills through the open window
and pools on the floor
–
waning
molten silver
moonlight

spying Earth from space
a hard reminder of our
insignificance
–
a sand grain
amidst the
multitude

faintly glowing stars
the ancient light a missive
from the distant past
–
a moonless night
our path defined
by starlight

shouting at the void
trying to keep the silence
from smothering me
–
rain falls
on a carpet
of autumn leaves

after a brief rest
a bevy of mourning doves
suddenly takes flight
–
released
upon wings
across the sun
dedicated to Philip Rigney

faded cutoff shorts
bare feet out the car window
hair teased by the wind
–
hot skin
cool sheets
and promises