Gideon’s Challenge – Peaceful

Forest Floor Pine Needles

Peaceful

Soft and squishy
a fragrant
carpet of needles
muffles every step
and makes
the world
seem quieter
than it has
any right to be
as the soft patter
of raindrops
sound off
like a very lazy
ticking clock

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Pre-Dawn

Perfect Brew Cup of Chamomile Tea

Pre-Dawn

A moment
of quiet peace
sitting still
with steam
slowly rising
to fill the air
with the scent
of chamomile
as the sun
rises
on a new day
that I’m
not at all
ready for

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Grumpy Bear

California Blackberry (Rubus ursinus)

Grumpy Bear

Hidden anger
smolders
in early
morning hours
waiting
to find purchase
on something
that will allow
for that spark
to turn
into a blaze
but as morning
slips to day
the spark eases
instead of
consuming all
in its path

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Little Things

Lyell's Bristle-moss (Orthotrichum lyellii)

Little Things

Sweet and soft
moments of bliss
spent wandering
among the green
create
flushed cheeks
and calmed nerves
as perspectives
change
to see things
often missed
when the world
is loud

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Eager

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Eager

Excitement sparks
with a sizzle
of impatience
and bright pop
of joy that
even raindrops
can’t quell
as the world
seems to quiver
with possibilities

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Endless

Invading Clouds

Endless

The world
refuses to wake
remaining dark
and gray
with slumber
and slow hours
as clouds
don’t lift
or burn away
but merely hang
heavy
in the air
flirting
with treetops
and the ground
beneath

Photo © ZenStatePhotography