Lighthearted
sunny eyes
open wide
in a promise of
welcoming
smiles
and cheerful
greetings
to each blue sky
and breezy gust
that sends
petals dancing
and heads
bobbing
to nature’s
song
Gideon’s Challenge – Lighthearted
Gideon’s Challenge
Gideon’s Challenge – Making Friends
Making Friends
sharp needles
prick the skin
in a promise
of retaliation
for disturbing
the rest
of those sentinels
that stand tall
and watch over
all that live
within
and beneath
prickly fronds
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Webbed Feet
Webbed Feet
Longing creates
an ached
like cracked earth
seeking a sip
of water
as I wait
with impatience
for the rain
to return
and drench
the world
in soggy earth
and mud puddles
once more
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Struggling
Struggling
lungs struggle
to pull in air
filled
with smoke
and pollen
that scrape
the throat
on the way in
and exhale
with sneezes
and
soggy snuffles
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – The Calling
The Calling
if temperatures
would drop
and smoke
would clear
the cedars
stand tall
and call out
for a visit
that creates
an echoing
ache
of need
within the soul
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Needy
Needy
pay attention
to me
and the need
that blazes hot
in my chest
creating
a searing ache
at my center
where
the soul lives
that seeks
the comfort
of your touch
promising
that everything
will be okay
Twisting the Leaf 