A Slow Death
Rural spots
with lots of rust
and rain filled
skies
hang low
An unnatural
quiet
as water soaked
wood swells
and deteriorates
while the drip
of raindrops
is the only sound.
Gideon’s Challenge
Gideon’s Challenge
The Spot
Come lie with me
on a bed of
feather soft moss
that tickles
against the flesh
as it cushions
our weight.
Come sleep
with me
among the ferns
and boughs
of cedar trees
that shelter
us from harm.
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Almost There
Battered and bruised
Just one day left
yet each bruise
feels deeper
than the last
and the spirit
is in tatters
of rags
edges blackened
by the scorch
of gruelling
demands for
more
than there is left
to give.
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
No Cow Tipping
A walk
along the edge
of the fields
a sign
torn down
long ago
Sometimes
a sharpie
is all you need
and a little laughter
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Easing
The day begins
with roiling clouds
and a clinging need
for sweet rain
but as hours pass
muscles relax
and the air
comes a bit
easier
one breath in
to pull in your scent
and an exhale
just to nuzzle
and do it again.
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Return
Fear
turns to
relief
as you lean in
and speak
those three words
that mean
everything
and air
fills my lungs
for what
feels like
the first time
in weeks.
Twisting the Leaf 