The Decay Begins
Shifting colors
mottled rot
mold and mildew
joining the cost
leaves that fall
begin to decay
and those that hang
are eaten away
while their blended
scents
fill chill air
announcing to all
that Autumn
is here
pacific rain forest
Gideon’s Challenge
The Hedgerows
Blue skies
and autumn clouds
and turning leaves
on the ground
come walk with me
among the rows
and enjoy the nip
of chill not yet cold
Soon tree leaves
will begin to fall
the world aflame
enough color for all
but for right now
lets take a walk
just you and I
among the rows
gone to rot
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Cycles
Gone are little
floral bits
as berries swell
with raindrop’s kiss
a little sun
and then the grow
to tempting fruit
making
branches bow
Soon enough
leaves will change
and life will fade
til spring comes
again
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Nurse Log
Deep shadow
in the damp woods
bark fallen and
crumbling wood
insect holes
and welcoming
grooves
seeds fall in
to nestle
sunlight dapples
as spores take hold
growth
encouraged
and new life shows
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Meeting
Social hour
at the pond
finds flirtation
in the reeds
as we float
along together
as inviatations
are given
accepted
and we glide
together
just you and I
as the world
falls away
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Migraine
Piercing pain
splitered
and sharp
will not shed
and fall away
but clings
on tight
to blur edges
and sharpen
the tongue
making all
impediments
a new breed
of irritation
Twisting the Leaf 