Tree – Page 14 – Iron Haiku

hot rising embers
intermingle with the stars
as they float away
–
cracking fire-
oak and maple
turning to ash

dark menacing skies
downed trees and power lines-
the storm overhead
–
brooding clouds-
wolves bay
in the distance

hug your children tight
for tonight there are parents
who won’t get that chance
–
barren trees-
young branches
devoid of leaves

deep in the shadows
a dark malevolence seeps
from out of the woods
–
wicker basket-
destroying angels
lie in wait

seeking inner peace
yearning to quench the darkness
that burns in my soul
–
wildfires-
a cold late
autumn rain

the sharp metal screech
of the trolley’s brakes snaps me
from my reverie
–
silver moonlight-
a screech owl perched
outside my window

putting down the phone
the harsh meaning of your words
doesn’t register
–
distant rain-
unexpected
lightning

delicate saplings-
bending to the fickle will
of the winter wind
–
bare branches-
a light dusting
of fresh snow

by her bedroom door
listening to my daughter
cry herself to sleep
–
leafless boughs-
no resistance to
the howling winds

early summer hay
cut by hand and harvested
drying in the sun
–
short shadows-
winnowing wheat
under the burning sun