Needy
I need you
to keep reaching
and clinging
tight
to each moment
between us
as the chaos
of the world
tries
to force
my retreat
and tear us
apart
keep loving me
through it all
and
don’t let go
Gideon’s Challenge – Needy
Gideon’s Challenge
Gideon’s Challenge – Trepidation
Trepidation
Old and
craggy
but friendly
as can be
he comes
trotting up
for treats
and a touch
to his nose
as I retreat
so fast
I trip over
my own feet
and nearly land
on the ground
beneath
his hooves
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Cotton Candy
Cotton Candy
Sweet
and melty
it touches
the tongue
in a burst
of sugar cube
flavor
as it melts
one granule
at a time
to take over
the senses
with memories
of childhood
and fun
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Homesickness
Homesickness
Lets slip
quietly
away
into secret
spaces
and dive
into the
shadows
of crevices
that call
like an
invitation
welcoming
us home
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Restlessness
Restlessness
Open wide
and let them in
with eyes
close
and the waiting
begins
with the sound
of a drill
that echoes
in a ricochet
within
the skull
and the dream
it shakes loose
is a wish
for freedom
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Dead Heading
Dead Heading
The garden
flourishes
when you
pinch off
dead flowers
and
diseased leaves
to create space
for new and
healthy growth
to take its place
… and we
are the same
so pinch off
that leaf
that needs
to go
and let another
grow
in its place.
Twisting the Leaf 