The Barrier
Time to slip
beyond the fronds
to dappled shade
and hushed spaces
filled with
moss draped surfaces
and damp earth
take a breath
and let the whispers
of hidden friends
skittering through
underbrush
tempt you deeper
among the trees
Deceptive Beauty
Rough and rocky
the water’s cold
gray mixed and choppy
it will numb the toes
yet with such a view
it’s hard to take care
it seems so harmless
when you’re there
I want to dive in
and explore beneath
then slip into the forest
and get lost
among moss and trees
The Secret Squishy
Prickly edges
jut out
in angular patterns
with insides jagged
and not inviting
yet you reach anyway
and discover
what appears sharp
is soft as rose petals
and feathered down
while soul’s arid ache
waits
for the kiss of dew drops
The Draw
Powdered sugar hilltops
flirt with the senses
luring
tempting
and promising adventure
as they whisper
about cool temps
and a crisp nip
to the air.
Come, they say.
Come climb higher
til altitude causes
panted breaths
and sweat to cool
on the skin
The Savoring
Stop
for just a moment
Stop
and take a breath
allow the world
to give you peace
through the
sweet scent
of fresh rain
and green grasses
Let the world
move without you
as you savor
this moment
Taking Turns
Stretching stems
support tight buds
that unfurl to
display flashes of
rich colors
but even
petals fall
one at a time
making room
for something new
to take their place
Twisting the Leaf 