Gideon’s Challenge – The Lasting Flower

Last of the FlowersThe Lasting Flower

Pops of color
shine bright
even on
a rainy day
with gray skies
and wet pavement
underfoot
and cause
a moment’s pause
just to smile
into the
radiance
of life’s kiss
on the senses

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Letting Go

Victoria BC WaterfrontLetting Go 

Sometimes
it feels like
leaning into
the light
takes so much
more effort
than available
to give
that it begs
the question…
how is it
that relaxing
one’s grip
can be so much
more difficult
than holding on?

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Emotions

Churning WaterEmotions

Always shifting
moving
and sometimes
churning
they never seem
to find stillness
and quiet
even during
meditation
until I realize
the key is
to watch quietly
without
participating
in the chaos

Sadly, that isn’t always possible.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Glass Ceilings

Greenhouse in Victoria BCGlass Ceilings

A moment
to pause
and look up
as surprising heat
radiates down
from above
not from
shining sun
but by
greenhouse glass
high above
on an overcast day
kissing the skin
with warmth

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Grumpy Gus

Angry JeepGrumpy Gus

Pouty
grumpy
full of sass
I really just wanna
kick some ass
and stomp my foot
and then sit down
and scowl
and sulk
with an unhappy frown
until I’m able to
finally calm down

maybe I need a nap?

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Morning Walk

Gray Day at the WaterfrontMorning Walk

Wet boots
and dripping hair
as the chill
tries to
sneak in
and cause
shivers
to rise
but the furnace
is running
and hands
are warm
as barnacles
crunch
underfoot

Photo © ZenStatePhotography