Summer Relief
Frigid water
offers relief
from sweltering
temperatures
of summer heat
do you wade in
a little at a time
or is it
a few quick steps
and then a dive?
I like to dive
and absorb the shock
as I glide along
the bottom’s rocks
poetry
Gideon’s Challenge
Bared To You
A tight bud
slowly unfurls
as sunlight bathes
green stems
and spread leaves
one petal
at a time
then another
they open
and spread wide
to show a bright
and shining soul
Just as you
peel back the layers
to reveal mine
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Claiming
Lie me down
upon deep waters
float me there
buoyant and free
wrap your hands
around my throat
and dip me deep
hold me there in
peaceful darkness
suspended and silent
as thoughts turn
into swirling currents
and your heart beats
call my name
Drown me
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Where glacier water
meets the sea
and freezing currents
nip and tease
and flushed flesh
that wades within
Toes go numb
and shivers come
as emerging swimmers
hit summer balm
Soon they’ll be
too hot again
and longing to return
and dive back in
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Fallen
Vibrant colors
long gone now
the heat came and
killed them off somehow
I tried to save them
I really did
but they couldn’t handle
what the fierce
heat dome did
they’ve been replaced
with something new
but I just want to say…
I miss you
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Green Hopper
Spider mites
have come to roost
among green leaves
and tender shoots
to suck the life
from all the green
and kill off just about
everything
and a hero comes
to save the day
a friend to camp out
for a short stay
to eat his fill
and feast away
It’s so dry and the spider mites have set up camp in my roses and a few other spots on the balcony. I’m spraying for them, but I just can’t seem to keep up with it. I might have to change from a soap spray to an actual insecticide. This grasshopper showed up on my balcony about two weeks ago and is still hanging out, looking healthy and well fed. At least someone’s enjoying the spider mite infestation.
Twisting the Leaf 