Saying Goodbye
Never again
will you see these trees
that stretch just so
as the snow falls
Never again
will you crunch boots
over frozen ground
and wander
into the woods
to visit the deer path
that takes you east
and up
into silent meadow
frozen
and waiting
Falling Snow
Evergreen boughs
hang heavy
as spines of green
are kissed in white
and the stillness
of crisp air
is filled with motion
as snowflakes
fall
to pitterpath
in whispers
of gravity’s kiss
as they land
scattered
The Hike’s End
A breathless moment
of inner heat
and dew of sweat
skimming skin
as the trail ends
suddenly
and the rock’s edge
appears
without warning
as trees
that had flanked
the journey
are now behind
and sea air
slaps cold and wet
against flushed cheeks
The Lure
Salt water
ripples
under a cloudy sky
reflecting back
the clouds
in gray shades
of green
that conceals
the dark depths
beneath
from view
and frigid waters
whisper
“Dive In”
Time of Reflection
Stillness
in crisp air
as the world
seems to pause
in silence
and only the sky
moves
as clouds
shift and stretch
above still trees
and even the water
has not a ripple
of movement
The First Light
Light breaks
over the horizon
and I sense
more than see
the warmth of rays
just as they kiss
against skin
and warm cold nose
as they chase
away the chill bite
of predawn
and the morn’s
beautiful gift
rises into the sky
Twisting the Leaf 