Tenacity
One day
bleeds into the next
as my bright
and beating heart
hangs suspended
and waiting
for the world
to knock
a subtle tap
that will tumble
me off
into the dust
below
to be trampled
among dried leaves
gideonschallenge
Gideon’s Challenge
The Surprise
Subtle surprises
hidden
among the reeds
and the dried
swamp grasses
not seen
with ease
and then
a misstep
and there it is
a forgotten statue
among the mud
quietly waiting
for water to rise
and it will
be hidden once more
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Afternoon Delight
Fuzzy bits
of bedding
fly in the air
like tufts
of feathers
as we dive
into the sheets
and roll
together
in a tangle
of limbs
and low chuckles
blend with
loving whispers
of love
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Burning
Our passion
burns bright
like a match’s
strike
that catches
not just flint
to phosphorus
but sets the world
ablaze
and everything
burns
until all
that is left
is you and I
and scorched earth
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Renewal
New life
slips free
from damp earth
to stretch
towards the sun
as blades unfurl
into leaves
stretched wide
and eager for
light and warmth
as bits of fuzz
are tickled
by a breeze
skimming over
moldering decay
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Fairy Tales
Hang your head
deeply
to slip your ear
to my lips
as we move
along the trail
and I will
whisper stories
to you
of the creatures
that hide among
mossy niches
and fern fronds
as their laughter
mingles with the wind
all around us
Twisting the Leaf 