Gideon’s Challenge – Patience

Happy Dog in the Snow Painting

Patience

Waiting is easier
with entertainment
to keep
the attention
from watching
the clock
thus
waiting rooms
become galleries
filled with
pieces of art
meant to capture
the attention
and imagination

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – New Toys

Twist the Leaf's Nature Casting Coins

New Toys

One by one
they show
their face
collected
over time
and from place
to place
until with tools
at the ready
they are altered
with care
to create
a new toy
bearing messages
to hear

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Transitions

Spring Flowers - White Daffodils

Transitions

Sweetness bursts
upon the air
as blooms
open wide
announcing
spring’s arrival
in vibrant colors
and floral scents
that mix with
the crisp bite
of fresh air
still cooled
by winter’s
last breath

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – The Armadillo

Drunken Armadillo

The Armadillo

A moment
of surprise
as head turns
and hard shell
doesn’t at first
register
and then does
and the startle
becomes
laughter
as I realize
someone has a
sense of humor

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Precious

Rainy Fields

Precious

More rain falls
with clouds
hanging heavy
sodden
and dripping
as people
gripe and groan
and I celebrate
every drop
as precious
because we are
just a bit closer
to no drought
when summer comes

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Don’t Touch

Miss Luna the Tortie Cat

Don’t Touch

This is not
an invitation
to sink fingers
into silky fur
and feel how soft
the belly is
but rather
a display of trust
that says
I can show you
my most
vulnerable parts
without worrying
that you’ll
invade my space
or break my trust
in you

Photo © ZenStatePhotography