Temperance
Gathered snow caps
like little hats
and brittle branches
nipped with cold
dormant trees
wait for spring
as the hiking path
reminds me
I’m getting old
aching knees
as I head downhill
make it sure I temper
the uphill thrill
pacific northwest
Gideon’s Challenge
Protected
I stand
at your side
and breathe in
crisp air
and as life moves
around us
like the constant
swirling currents
of a stream
I feel safe
just
because
you’re there
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
To Be Small
I want to feel
small…
small enough
that I can wear
a snowflake
as a hat
and carry
a pine needle
as my staff
as I wander
among the
winter woods
foraging for
fun and frolic
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Comfort Food
Cinnamon
adds a touch
of spice
and makes the sweet
just a bit more nice
but the best of all
is the whipped creme
and the sound
of a dollop
as the peppermint
goes in
Take a sip
and settle in
for a comfy night
watch the movie begin
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Cabin
Come with me
to mountain highs
where snow cover
blankets the world
in white
and curl up with me
before a roaring fire
on a couch
in a warm
mountain cabin
and I’ll tangle limbs
with yours
and we’ll while away
the hours
just you and I together
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
I Need You
I want to dive
into frigid waters
salted to not freeze
as surface ripples
reflect the sky.
I want to see
clouds drift by
from
beneath the waves
and watch snowflakes
touch down
to join me
as they melt
into the sea.
Twisting the Leaf 