Gideon’s Challenge – Exhausted

Exhausted Skeleton Halloween Decor

Exhausted

the doorbell rings
again and again
chiming cheerfully
with each child
that sings
trick or treat
and sweets
are gifted
until bones ache
with each rise
from the chair
to head
for the door
once more

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Longing

Halloween Decor

Longing

please whisper
in my ear
sweet nothings
with warm breath
and a low rumble
in your voice
that awakens
the dormant
butterflies
in my belly
and inspires
a catch
in my breath

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Anticipation

Halloween Decorations in the Rose Garden

Anticipation

the lights are strung
the pumpkins are out
the grave markers
put in their place
the bones are lain
within their graves
the ghosts hang
from the eaves
and here we are
ready to go
with lots of candy
to share
who’s to come
and ring the bell
and brave
a little scare

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Intriguing

Hunter's Moon Almost Full

Intriguing

the nights are dark
with cloud cover
even when the rain
isn’t falling
and the hunter’s moon
peeks out
to promise
colder nights to come
as the veil thins
and whispers
slip between trees
to coax us deeper
into the night

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Overworked

Garden Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Overworked

summer slips away
as the first nip
of cold arrives
and preparations
for winter
take over our lives
and all we
really want
is to savor
what’s left of the sun
before the bite
of winter’s cold
tells us autumn’s done

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Turmoil

Rainclouds Over Blueberry Fields

Turmoil

troubled skies
drag themselves
over the horizon
to scrape roughshod
over mountain peaks
concealing them
from view
as the clouds
dip low
to place wet kisses
upon hilltops
and thread
among the trees

Photo © ZenStatePhotography