The Old One
Trapped
in iron
he watches
the tourists
pass by in
ones and twos
as bent nose
itches
and fountain water
that falls past
his lips
is flavored
by raindrops
Gideon’s Challenge
Gideon’s Challenge – Twilight Days
Twilight Days
Dawn
comes and goes
but the world
remains
ensconced
in the embrace
of dusk
no matter
how high
the sun climbs
as raindrops
fall
to saturate
the world
in shades of gray
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Don’t Look
Don’t Look
There’s something
both perverse
and disturbing
in the
produce aisle
at the grocery
and once
seen
it cannot be
unseen
and sticks with you
the rest
of the day
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – I See You
I See You
With his face
concealed
within the face
of a flower
and his head
cocked
curiously
to one side
the old man
squints out
at the world
in wonder
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Autumn Forests
Autumn Forests
The rainforest
is full of
moisture and rot
and things
that feed off
other things;
life abounds
alongside decay
and the scent
of autumn
is one of
squishy wet soil
and evergreen boughs
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Time and Place
Time and Place
Some places
just feel right
with the sun warm
but not too hot
and the
neighborhood quiet
with the distant
sound of children
playing
and for a moment
everything feels
right
in the world.
Twisting the Leaf 