Protected
I stand
at your side
and breathe in
crisp air
and as life moves
around us
like the constant
swirling currents
of a stream
I feel safe
just
because
you’re there
poetry
Gideon’s Challenge
To Be Small
I want to feel
small…
small enough
that I can wear
a snowflake
as a hat
and carry
a pine needle
as my staff
as I wander
among the
winter woods
foraging for
fun and frolic
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Comfort Food
Cinnamon
adds a touch
of spice
and makes the sweet
just a bit more nice
but the best of all
is the whipped creme
and the sound
of a dollop
as the peppermint
goes in
Take a sip
and settle in
for a comfy night
watch the movie begin
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Cabin
Come with me
to mountain highs
where snow cover
blankets the world
in white
and curl up with me
before a roaring fire
on a couch
in a warm
mountain cabin
and I’ll tangle limbs
with yours
and we’ll while away
the hours
just you and I together
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
I Need You
I want to dive
into frigid waters
salted to not freeze
as surface ripples
reflect the sky.
I want to see
clouds drift by
from
beneath the waves
and watch snowflakes
touch down
to join me
as they melt
into the sea.
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Stumbling Blocks
Disappointment
carries weight
even when
long prepared
knowledge
of it coming
is given
Don’t shrug it off
for frustration
follows
if you let
that weight
slide away
too soon
Twisting the Leaf 