Gideon’s Challenge – Breathless

Sunset Clouds

Breathless

tangled
in sheets
that smell
of sex
and sweat
we linger
in the quiet
after
the intensity
of the storm
that tasting
your tongue
always
leads to

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Dystopian Sun

Wildfire Sun in Red

Dystopian Sun

August arrives
with a red sun
in a dirty sky
like a dystopian
apocalypse
breathed
into being
by the smoke
that fills the air
and makes
each breath
scratch
and burn
on the way in

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Disquietude

Wildfire Smoke

Disquietude

smoke arrives
like a stain
across the sky
as it creeps
like dirty mist
among the trees
to cover
everything
in the faint scent
of low level
anxiety
bred into us
by instinct

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Everything

On the Water

Everything

I want to
get lost with you
in places
where
we won’t
be disturbed
and can
explore
to our heart’s
content
everything
from the smallest
freckle
to the vast
night sky
hand in hand

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Appreciation

Algerian Ivy (Hedera canariensis) aka. Canary Island Ivy, Canary Ivy, Canarian Ivy, Coney Island Ivy, Madiera Ivy

Appreciation

some fruits
come after
labor
and difficulty
while others
spring forth
in the spring
with nothing
but the kiss
of sunlight
for encouragement
but it is those
with blood
sweat and tears
in their soil
that taste
the sweetest

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Entranced

Common Holly (Ilex aquifolium), English Holly, Holly Tree

Entranced

sharp edges
soften
into
feathered flutters
when you
walk into
the room
and suddenly
the world
falls away
as my attention
is caught
and there is
no one
else
left

Photo © ZenStatePhotography