Mid-August Rust
Sweet scents
of berries
left on the vine
still sour
and not to ripen
vibrant bits
of color
among the green
and as leaves
begin to rust
berries will wither
into small
dry husks
Gideon’s Challenge
Gideon’s Challenge
To Savor the Day
A quiet place
to sit in the sun
on a cool day
after the rain
damp grass
soaks denim
and cotton cloth
as back finds earth
and the sky stretches
above
while dragonflies
join the serenade
of babbling brook
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Reach
Dark shadows
nurture life
and cradle growth
in damp crevices
but sunlight
beacons
the intrepid soul
to stretch
tall
and seek
the warmth
that shadows
cannot provide
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Welcome Home
Cedar tips
caught
within my hair
with fragrant tugs
from bits
of green
like playful fingers
teasing
a loving touch
as trees whisper
greetings
and ask me
to stay
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Muddy Path
Well trod paths
wind through
the green
and each step forward
in the muck and mud
takes us further
deeper
into the secrets
unknown
to all but
those that live
with rich soil
within the soul
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Carrot
You are a beacon
shining bright
in the shadows
a welcoming
splash of vibrantcy
in a world
of darkness and
shades of gray
and every day
as I find you
and that first
“I love you”
is given
my life lights up
once more
Twisting the Leaf 