Autumn’s Arrival
Gray skies
finally grace
the world
with a moist kiss
of rain
and we all
breathe
a deep breath
of relief
as the world
cools
and summer
finally departs
Gideon’s Challenge
Gideon’s Challenge
The Rain
Finally, it falls
drips and drops
pattering
quiet and soft
as sweet air
fresh and clean
flows
through windows
left open
as the scent
of smoke
is washed away
and the world
feels clean
once more
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Before Bed
Lying still
and quiet
beneath you
as you
mantle large
above,
and hands
will reach up
to skim on skin
with a light touch
as I curl
into that space
where I feel
safe
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Life Goes On
Even when
summer heat
stretches past
mid October
and no rain
comes
and the trees
are too confused
to change
their colors
even still
life
goes on
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Breakfast
Peppermint leaf
and chamomile
licorice root
and cinnamon
blue lotus extract
and kanna root
blended together
sweet and pure
giving
mornings
a bit of happy flavor
to slide
over the tongue
and warm the belly
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Lost Fall
Indian sumer
stretches on
and trees
refuse to turn
as smoke rolls
with the east wind
and we’re left
unable to see
our nose
while summer heat
drags
on and on
as if
it will never end
Twisting the Leaf 