Wind

autumn afternoons-
leaves plucked from swaying branches
dancing in the breeze
–
overcast-
shark scales
above my head

flags snap in the wind-
lines of waves begin to break
over silver sands
–
snoring-
warm breath
on my neck

standing divided
sunlight shining on my face
my feet in shadow
–
peeks of sun-
our stately elm
torn asunder

crabs in the shallows-
a hidden sandbar barely
revealed by the tide
–
onshore breeze-
knots of seaweed
drying in the sun

herds of fallen leaves
stampeding across my yard
following the wind
–
lakeside-
leaves crisping
beneath my feet

howling in the night
a cold wind pounds on my door
straining the hinges
–
black rain-
branches scrape
my darkened window

rising from a dream
tasting a memory that’s
almost elusive
–
floating-
beholden to the wind
over a rising sun

the smell of sea salt
carried on the inland wind
by dangerous storms
–
flying fish-
on the bowsprit
the sea in her hair

children of gaia-
seeking purchase in every
crack in the pavement
–
dripping eaves-
english ivy climbs
these old stone walls

standing on the dock
raising high my glass, toasting
the impending storm
–
rusty hinges-
a garden gate
bangs in the night