Tender
A touch
of tenderness
breaks through
paper thin
shell
to stir to life
what lies
beneath
and the next
inhale is
ragged and shaky
as insides
wobble
unpredictably
Gideon’s Challenge – Tender
rainforest
Gideon’s Challenge – Soul Breathing
Soul Breathing
Gather close
energy and focus
and sink in
with closed eyes
and deep breaths
until the world
falls away
in a slow decent
and attention
centers upon
the tender spot
hidden
deep within
touched only
by him
then exhale
as tension
is let go
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Daydream
Daydream
Let’s sale away
together
and see
the world
from a distance
its troubles
muffled
by water
and time
spent alone
just you and I
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Anticipation
Anticipation
Scents
of evergreens
fill the air
and blend
with salt
from the sound
as each step
brings us closer
to the shore
just out
of reach
and yet so close
you can taste
the brine
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Longing
Longing
Feather soft fringe
like caterpillar fluff
but softer
and less treacherous
invites moments
of quiet pause
and promises
a nap upon
the softest pillow
you’ll ever know
if you accept
the invitation
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Curiosity
Curiosity
Beautiful
jeweled tones
concealed
beneath
bone white
only seen
when seagulls
come
to crack open
the seams
and steal away
what resides
within
Twisting the Leaf 