Water – Page 34 – Iron Haiku

thoughts of the fallen-
those who purchased our freedoms
with their flesh and blood
–
old glory-
a red haze blinding
the dogs of war

hand in hand with you
standing by the river’s edge
watching the drawbridge
–
tinted sunlight-
walking across
a fallen tree

northern white cedars
defying all odds, clinging
to the bare cliff face
–
crying gulls-
hatchling turtles
race to the sea

misty morning run-
lake water rolls off the bow
oars dipping in sync
–
fingers entwined-
a light rain
ripples

salty air, your hair
blown about your face by the
wind off the water
–
rising smoke-
below decks
on the ferry.

time draws to a close-
I hold his hand, helping him
walk across this bridge
–
a pale horse-
the onus
of these souls

the new morning star
betrothed to the coming dawn
dancing with the moon
–
warm spring sun-
a beaming bride
under a shower of rice

standing on the bridge
cold wind blowing through his coat
patiently waiting
–
a lover’s kiss-
the river opens
to greet the sea

along the roadside-
once a stately facade, now
a pile of old stones
–
gentle rain-
crows perch upon
a weathered grave

at the water’s edge
cattails and reeds bend leeward
softening the shore
–
the great salt marsh-
a blue heron wading
intently focused