Burn

locked in my safe room
the world burning down outside-
is it hot in here?

crimson sky-
ashes drifting
on hot winds

Memories

open bed pickup
memories caught by the wind
litter the highway

twisted fingers-
brittle pages of
her wedding album

Decisions

a vial of poison-
reminiscences of you
held up to my lips

desert skies-
reflections of death
in the watering hole

Campfire

hot rising embers
intermingle with the stars
as they float away

cracking fire-
oak and maple
turning to ash

Nightmares

in the dead of night
the monster under my bed
turns out to be me

skeletal branches-
the window framing
unfounded fears

Veteran

I close my eyes and
before sleep overtakes me
I pray for those I’ve killed

fireworks-
earplugs in
a darkened room

Storm

dark menacing skies
downed trees and power lines-
the storm overhead

brooding clouds-
wolves bay
in the distance

TV

snoring quietly
your head still on my shoulder-
our show just over

dreams of snow-
waking to
tv static

Winter

white breath and mittens-
on the pond shaved ice gathers
the sounds of laughter

heavy blankets-
the sound
of falling snow

Insomnia

my bed, no respite
dark lonely hours renege on
the promise of sleep

flannel sheets-
the rhythm
of your breath