Gideon’s Challenge – Pixie Cups

Pixie Cup Lichen (Cladonia pyxidata)

Pixie Cups

Laughter chimes
like little bells
almost too soft
to hear
as pixies
dance among
lichen and leaves
and stop
to sip from
little cups
fuzzy
and filled
with raindrops

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Too Early

Washington State Ferries

Too Early

Rough waters
make for
a bumpy ride
even in
large boats
that appear
to glide
like ghosts
among misty
morning light
as the need
to nap tugs
but is left
unsated

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Peaceful

Forest Floor Pine Needles

Peaceful

Soft and squishy
a fragrant
carpet of needles
muffles every step
and makes
the world
seem quieter
than it has
any right to be
as the soft patter
of raindrops
sound off
like a very lazy
ticking clock

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Pre-Dawn

Perfect Brew Cup of Chamomile Tea

Pre-Dawn

A moment
of quiet peace
sitting still
with steam
slowly rising
to fill the air
with the scent
of chamomile
as the sun
rises
on a new day
that I’m
not at all
ready for

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Grumpy Bear

California Blackberry (Rubus ursinus)

Grumpy Bear

Hidden anger
smolders
in early
morning hours
waiting
to find purchase
on something
that will allow
for that spark
to turn
into a blaze
but as morning
slips to day
the spark eases
instead of
consuming all
in its path

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Little Things

Lyell's Bristle-moss (Orthotrichum lyellii)

Little Things

Sweet and soft
moments of bliss
spent wandering
among the green
create
flushed cheeks
and calmed nerves
as perspectives
change
to see things
often missed
when the world
is loud

Photo © ZenStatePhotography