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

Gideon’s Challenge – Eager

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Eager

Excitement sparks
with a sizzle
of impatience
and bright pop
of joy that
even raindrops
can’t quell
as the world
seems to quiver
with possibilities

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Endless

Invading Clouds

Endless

The world
refuses to wake
remaining dark
and gray
with slumber
and slow hours
as clouds
don’t lift
or burn away
but merely hang
heavy
in the air
flirting
with treetops
and the ground
beneath

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – Spring Weeds

First Weeds of Spring

Spring Weeds

Like snowdrops
and crocus
then daffodils
and tulips
the first weeds
of spring
begin to crop up
and be seen
promising
a summer
filled with
dandelion tufts
and hay fever

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge – No Snow

Distant Mountains

No Snow

I want to go
where the snow is
and breathe in
the sharp sting
of crisp air
while footsteps
crunch
and little bits
of fluff
fall to join
the glacier
covered ground
I stand upon

Photo © ZenStatePhotography