Trick or Treat
One more day
til Halloween
and the raucous
laughter
of trick or treaters
knocking
on the door
and as the candy
is handed out
the kids enjoy
the excitement
of the night
and all the
spooky decor
writing challenge
Gideon’s Challenge
Anacortes
I am longing
for sand
and salt water
and beautiful
misty mornings
wet and foggy
cold and quiet
other than
the scream
of seagulls
and the quiet lap
of water
against rocks
and seagrass
mounds
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Flameless
Never once
have I liked
fake candles
even those
that flicker
like a real flame
until this year
when decorating
for Halloween
I’ve discovered
that flameless candles
have their place
and that, my friends
is in the mouths
of skeletons
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Mariachi
I like it
when you go out
during this time
of year
and stumble across
a little fun thing
that shows
a bit of cheer
and that others
find it fun
and want to join in too
sometimes
it’s just a small thing
and yet
it’s so goddamned cute
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Peninsula
I want to go back
to the sea
where sand slips
between toes
and seagulls
scream
and when
you cross the road
the forest
swallows you whole
with moss dripping
from branches
and fern fronds
sway to and fro
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
The Frustration
All I want
is to sleep some more
I wake up
and get moving
and then
my energy’s dead
it seems I’m better
until I get going
and then I can’t breathe
and my insides
are wobbling
and I’m frustrated now
so much to do
but another nap’s needed
yet again, nothing new.
Twisting the Leaf 