crisp morning
pulling a sweater on
over wet hair

Stacy Radliff (4)
third place

her irises
blossoming in the garden
a utopian dream

she tosses the penny . . .
only to find
the well dry

Nikki Garry (3)

bathed in hot water
soaked through and through
the tea bag rests against the cup

Candace Golden (3)

James Osmun

the oak tree curves, a weathered cross

flashlights dance
under a blanket tent
hushed giggles

Candace Golden (5)
second place

thick air
the musty aroma
laden with my childhood

alone by the fire
she shivers
fading as the day

Travis Meisenheimer (2)

hot chai
steam dancing
between friends

Stacy Radliff

fresh sod
fertilized by blood
the breeze . . .

dusty with cobwebs
the red boots rest
against the door frame

Candace Golden (3)

cool breeze
sun setting in the distance
holding me close

Andrea Roewe

cool breeze
blowing on the sandy beach
the soft touch of his lips

Andrea Roewe

passing the cigar
around the fire
a train's whistle

Brock Peoples

snow still falling
footprints
stop at her grave

Stacy Radliff (4)
third place

king and queen  
trade crowns of  
dandelions

Brock Peoples (3)

twin twisted knots
adorn the nape of her neck
Christmas ornaments

Stefanie Lovelass (3)

squirrel launches
onto the bird feeder
a shower of thistle seeds

Sarah Scheck

eyes closed rain drips trying to write
 

freezing rain
sniffles
we warm each other

Travis Meisenheimer (3)

cold night stars 
her hands 
in my pockets

Brock Peoples (7)
first place

the wet snow melting
before her front porch
room for the flowers

red frost rising
over the windshield
in a flame

raspberry sweater
on the way to her shower
strewn across the chair

Stefanie Lovelass

blue and gray
parting waves
reveal the rock

blue plastic sack
filled with gusty breaths
dances under streetlights

Stefanie Lovelass (2)

her blouse lifts,
   soft skin revealed
as she reaches for the book
       above her,
   purple iris on the
         small of her back

E. Kreydich

whispering jokes
playful blades of grass
waltz with the wind's music

Stefanie Lovelass (2)

swishing long tail
fans the plump cat
as he basks on the step

full moon 
your upturned face 
bathed in light

Brock Peoples (2)

Stefanie Lovelass (2)

"My absolute favorite from this set would have to be "rusty mesa" because of its wonderful imagery. I picture a sunrise, with the first rays of light showing veins in the rock, making the whole area look alive. I also really like the use of the word "rusty," it's such a vivid descriptor of color and mood." —Stacy Radliff

cascading waterfall
in the cool breeze
silence overcomes all

Andrea Roewe (2)

Stacy Radliff

early morning
still no sun
hungry cat on my chest

Stacy Radliff (2)

cool breeze
the evening drizzle
patters on the porch

Andrea Roewe (2)

now at peace
his white hand
on my thigh