Paradise Found
Sweet scents
of lavender
and sweetgrass
blend with sage
cedar
and furniture polish
as footsteps
carry
through the door
and black fluff
rubs
against ankles
in greeting
writing activity
Gideon’s Challenge – Happiness
Happiness
Pretty faces
greet us
vibrantly
to remind us
summer
isn’t just
a slow crawl
through hell
but a
fleeting moment
of beauty
to lift the spirit
and draw out
a smile
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – The Pause
The Pause
Lie down
and stay a while
with the
douglas fir
towering above
and pine needles
to cushion
your back
as you stare up
at the sky
and watch
patterns of light
sift
through branches
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Exit Route
Exit Route
Tangled up
and disorganized
it seems
there’s
no way out
of this
trapped feeling
blending
distraction
and disorientation
until I feel
lost
and alone
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – What Is Lost
What Is Lost
Kisses
are important
between
you and I
and as I share
I worry
things are changing
in ways
I don’t want
just because
my honesty
is hurting
those I love
perhaps silence
is best
after all
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Shadow Whispers
Shadow Whispers
Failure happens
again and again
until it begins
to feel
like these failures
define me
and I am
nothing
but
a disappointment
to those
that love me most
Twisting the Leaf 