Hug Me
The ache inside
is a knot
that lives
deep within
at solar plexus
radiating
fissures of red
outward
along nerve endings
to set alight
stinging tingles
in the soft flesh
of inner forearms
and palms
Gideon’s Challenge – Hug Me
zen state photography
Gideon’s Challenge – Dinner Show
Dinner Show
Moose Drool
and Space Goat
Smuttynose
and Huck It
with each sign
amusement rises
and a quirk
of the lips
becomes a smile
as chuckles
bubble up
into laughter
and a stop
for dinner
turns into a tour
from one wall
to the next
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Layers
Layers
Emotions lay
open and raw
riding on the skin
instead of
within
and each breeze
is sandpaper
upon sensitive
nerves
until skin splits
open wide
and the soul
weeping
is exposed
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Another Day
Another Day
Forsaken by
morning light
we sit
within the shadows
as skies brighten
from sunrise
to day bright
but yet the light
remains illusive
in the cold
of mountain shadows
stretching long
with their
cloying grip
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – Eager Beginnings
Eager Beginnings
Crisp air
and a bit of chill
brush against
the skin
as the
newly sprouted
reach up
to break through
soil
long frozen
in green tips
that offer hope
of colorful blooms
soon to come
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge – The Proposition
The Proposition
An evening out
to wine and dine
(no wine
for me
of course)
with offers made
and promises given
as a proposal
to change my life
is set down
upon the table
and refused
because
it’s just
not for me
Twisting the Leaf 