No Panhandling

It’s not
panhandling,
but a nap I seek
and this piece
of cardboard
is merely
my blanket
from the cold
and shelter
from the sun
while I catch
a few Z’s
right here
on this spot.
My spot.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Escaping Summer

I long
to go back
to wetter times
where damp earth
permeates the air
with scents
of rich wet soil
and
decaying detritus
while lush green
fills the senses
with a feeling
that all is right
in the world

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

In Winter

Fields brown
and green hues
are long gone
as cold
nips at every
vine tip
and branch
while the sun
sets glacial peaks
to glow
brilliant
and bright
against
blue skies

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Too Strong

Tenacious
and steadfast
I stubbornly
fight to remain
upright
and yet
all I truly want
is to let go
falter
fall
and allow you
to catch me
so that
I can feel safe

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Your Stare

I flush pink
for you
as your gaze
holds fast
making cheeks
turn rosy
and color rise
along my nape
and a twitch
of upturned corners
come to lips
before teeth tug
lower swell

This?  Is all yours.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

To Feel Small

A blade of grass
makes the ant feel small
A sapling stretching tall
makes the grass feel small
A hill of forest green
makes a single sapling small
and when mountains tower
it makes the hill seem small
and then above it all
the blue sky stretches wide
and even a single cloud
makes the mountains small
like the ant
and the blade of grass

Photo © ZenStatePhotography