The Impact
Metal screeches
and squeals
crunching
like monster teeth
gnashing in cold
morning light
ending
in a loud ‘tong’
that reverberates
through bones
and makes the space
between fingers
tingle and ache
as air blows out
harsh and loud
through parted lips
Promises Realized
Spring comes
with bursts of color
and scents
of thawed earth
and warming winds
As tulips spear
the surface
and daffodil stems
reach for
the warming sun
the promise
of warmer days
soon to come
lingers in the air
Winter’s Exhale
Drip drip
of melting snow
gives way to
barren branches
and blue skies
as winter
blows its last breath
and spring
sneaks in
in small ways
to lick away
the last dusting
of white
and sweeten the air
in warm promise.
The Promise
Distant peaks
taunt and tease
promising chill air
and the burn of muscles
worked hard
as each step goes
higher and higher
until fallen needles turn
into the crunch of ice
under worn boots
and shaded forests
break free to rock
and vistas that steal
what breath is left.
The Duality
A healing touch
against the soul
slick balm
brushes soft
to soothe and calm
what was once raw
then
in a savage shift
teeth sink in
to break flesh
bleed for me
Broken Teeth
Fence posts
like broken teeth
line up in a row
to stagger under
the storm
then try to pretend
all is well
when blue skies
shine once more
but frozen mornings
show cracks
in the wood
and they don’t
stand quite as
straight as before
neither do we
Twisting the Leaf 