The Needed Pause

Overwhelmed
I slip
painful ankle
and swollen feet
into icy waters
as rocks dig in
against tender soles
one step
turns into another
and denim tugs
heavy on hips
as hems soak up
salt water

And I want to go
deeper

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

The Quiet Place

High off the ground
away from
prying eyes
a quiet spot
not a soul
can peek inside
I have one too
at mountain high
beyond the lake
after a climb
a soft bed of miss
beckoning
and I can hear
as it calls my name

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Summer Relief

Frigid water
offers relief
from sweltering
temperatures
of summer heat
do you wade in
a little at a time
or is it
a few quick steps
and then a dive?
I like to dive
and absorb the shock
as I glide along
the bottom’s rocks

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Bared To You

A tight bud
slowly unfurls
as sunlight bathes
green stems
and spread leaves
one petal
at a time
then another
they open
and spread wide
to show a bright
and shining soul

Just as you
peel back the layers
to reveal mine

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

The Claiming

Lie me down
upon deep waters
float me there
buoyant and free
wrap your hands
around my throat
and dip me deep
hold me there in
peaceful darkness
suspended and silent
as thoughts turn
into swirling currents
and your heart beats
call my name

Drown me

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

The Ice Bath

Where glacier water
meets the sea
and freezing currents
nip and tease
and flushed flesh
that wades within
Toes go numb
and shivers come
as emerging swimmers
hit summer balm
Soon they’ll be
too hot again
and longing to return
and dive back in

Photo © ZenStatePhotography