Oxygen

Breathless moments
take a pause
rough bark
against resting hand
as head tilts back
and peace is found
in delicate needles
reaching overhead.

Exhale.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

The Ancient One

Old and wizened
he sits and waits
for those that find him
to greet with respect
and reverence
and for those that
worship at his feet
the wealth of
his blessings
spring forth
in the flutter of wings
and sweet swell
of the forest
upon the senses

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Tender Beginnings

Little buds kiss the air
offering promises
of flourishing growth
and warmer weather
as pink tips stretch
and begin to swell
reaching for the sun
soon leaves will stretch
and open wide
and buds will unfurl
to flutter
petal soft blossoms
in balmy morning
breezes

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

The Fence

Deep in the forest
where moss and fern grow
and branches tangle
and sway to and frow
there lives a fence
made of metal and chain
that stretches
between trunks
and stands tall
and unstained
how did it get here?
from where did it come?
this lost bit of linkage
out of place and alone

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Crumbling Castle

Old and worn
battered and broken
but still functional
don’t climb
too high
falling through
is always
a possibility
Sometimes
we have to tear down
what we love
to make room
for something better

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Cycles of Integration

Clinging roots
and beautiful shoots
the earth takes her time
and with every year
that passes
all becomes tangled
and the individual
is accepted
welcomed
and absorbed
until smooth stone
and small shoots
eventually become
sand and dust

Photo © ZenStatePhotography