Early Morning Misery
Cold sweat
beads over skin
flushed red
than washed pale
as flesh
chilled as ice
beads with bumps
and fingertips tingle
while the body
struggles
to cleans itself
from the inside
out
and I can’t breathe
Gideon’s Challenge
Gideon’s Challenge
The Tribute
Strength blends
with nurturing warmth
as the green drips
from branches
and the world
is filled with scents
of spring imbibed
with the flavor
of sweet incense
and as I kneel
upon a carpet
of pine needles
to give thanks
the gentle whisper
of encouragement
skims over my senses
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Rainy Day Hike
Raindrops
kiss skin
flushed with color
as soles splash
through puddles
squishy with mud
and the path
winds on
through the trees
as water drips
my hair
to tease cool
rivulets
along my nape
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Anticipation
Lie back
and let me offer
to you
a temptation
of parted lips
quiet pants
as dark eyes
lift to light
and all the
little flaws
that paint my flesh
are exposed
for you
to explore
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Still Climbing
Days
run together
and look the same
even as spring buds
and shifting seasons
should make each day
unique
and different
and yet
the struggle
to find the differences
is far harder
than
it should be
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Kiss
“Open,” he says.
and lips part
on command
to welcome in
the heat and hunger
that makes cheeks
blush
and blood thrum
like thunder
in the veins
as skin flushes
with hues of pink
and quiet sighs
turn into more
as intensity
begins to build
Twisting the Leaf 