Gideon’s Challenge – Turmoil

Rainclouds Over Blueberry Fields

Turmoil

troubled skies
drag themselves
over the horizon
to scrape roughshod
over mountain peaks
concealing them
from view
as the clouds
dip low
to place wet kisses
upon hilltops
and thread
among the trees

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Stalwart

Salmonberry (Rubus Spectabilis), Common Hairmoss (Polytrichum commune), Deer Fern (Struthopteris castanea), and White Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba)

Stalwart

in this place
the green persists
through the fall
and into the cold
of winter nights
and biting
frost filled days
as tender bits
fade away
’til spring
and hardier ones
stay

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Curious

The Autumn Path

Curious

gray skies and
intermittent raindrops
greet a cooling day
as booted feet
tread over
pine needle carpets
and worn
saturated wood
as each step
sates a small trickle
of curiosity
that leads on
into forever

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Determination

Bear Totem in Vancouver, BC

Determination

push a little harder
take a few more steps
let the pain inspire
a spark of willpower
and expense
as a grimace
and growl
rises from within
seek a few more steps
to get you to the end

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Lost

Forest Mushroom

Lost

shelter me
from raindrops
that could drown me
like teardrops
trailing down cheeks
until the life I knew
is washed away
and soaks
into the soil
to nurture
something new
to life

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Tranquility

Foggy Fields

Tranquility

wisps of clouds
thread among the hills
like string through
a sewing needle’s eye
until they blend
together
in a mockery
of movement
when everything
is actually still
and the seat
of my jeans
soaks through with
rainwater
as I watch for hours
on end

Photo © ZenStatePhotography