Spring comes
with bursts of color
and scents
of thawed earth
and warming winds
As tulips spear
the surface
and daffodil stems
reach for
the warming sun
the promise
of warmer days
soon to come
lingers in the air
pacific northwest
Gideon’s Challenge
Gideon’s Challenge
Distant peaks
taunt and tease
promising chill air
and the burn of muscles
worked hard
as each step goes
higher and higher
until fallen needles turn
into the crunch of ice
under worn boots
and shaded forests
break free to rock
and vistas that steal
what breath is left.





