Water

an inverted sky
the image of autumn clouds
broken by a fish
–
fall rain-
ripples spread across
a hidden pond

on a sun warmed lake
fog’s skeletal fingers reach
for the morning moon
–
barefoot children-
laughter coats
the evening grass

the cruel midday sun-
neat rows of old cars in their
final rusting place
–
high noon-
steam billows from
my open hood

clouds in the water
far on the opposite shore
the blue pump house roof
–
changing leaves
painted at the
waterline

early autumn storms-
dark roiling thunderclouds vent
their mottled fury
–
distant thunder-
a cloud of starlings
darken the sky

peeling back the dark
exposing the ugly truth
to the light of day
–
low tide-
broken shells
on the sand

moonlight in her hair-
she walks along the shoreline
and into the night
–
a turtle’s splash –
the moon wavers
on the water

waiting on the sun-
geese fly before purple clouds
embroidered in gold
–
reflections-
golden koi
slowly pass

barely keeping still-
my fingers brushing across
your wet ruby lips
–
waves lap the shore-
your hair drying in
the tropical sun

sitting at the bar-
beautiful and dangerous
death in a red dress
–
mangrove trees-
crocodiles
come and go