flames lick away
at fake logs
burning nothing

cold evening
reaching to find empty sheets

the old man's breath
hangs in the air
wondering if she hears

Brahm's Lullaby
accompanies a new heartbeat

waxing moon
tide pool
alive with life

early morning rave
no thought of sitting down

tulip buds
glisten and dance
on the veranda

jumping through puddles
I laugh

gazing out the screen
flicking ashes
on the hardwood floor

charred stump
the lover's initials erased

mental hospital
even the caterpillar
resists change

the grown man smiles
at nothing

crescent moon
a chubby finger
points to the sky

supernova
God's fireworks

two men out
my sister slurs
Take Me Out to the Ballgame

lying on linoleum
to escape the summer heat

wilted cherry blossom
between pages
she sighs

a sudden gust of wind
leaves shudder

alone in the house
- goose bumps
I turn off the TV

doorbell rings
the hobbit begs for candy

shuffling footsteps
a cat
her only companion

mason jars
filled with apple butter

cherry tree
worn hands
guide my own

missing pie
the window ledge still warm

swinging from the hayloft
I break my leg
just in time for school

burning leaves
sweet scent envelops the air
the crunch of frost

each step
lets me think

is it too cold
for open-toed shoes?

chapped lips
caress beneath
the red moon

a wisp of clouds
brings the smell of snow

icy stone
I grow cold
...waiting

who will I catch
under the mistletoe

alone on the couch
falling asleep
- just another year

the last first drink
broken resolution

she wonders whether
the cherry blossoms
will bloom early

flames flicker
glowing embers

•••