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.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

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.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

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

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

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

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Only for You

Open wide
splayed
vulnerable
the offer is there
for the taking
delicate bits
exposed
there for
plundering
and exploring
Kneel
and worship

What
are you waiting for?

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Cold Solitude

Crisp air
and color washed
the world
sits frozen
in a dusting of white
so fine
it coats all in sight
and in this world
I miss you most
as it is with
the lack of color
that a feeling
of desolation
slips in to whisper
“You are alone.”

Photo © ZenStatePhotography