morning spreads
her mysteries
across the meadow’s nape
pushes soft against
the glory grey
nestled down within the dusk
where once a dream
was blue –
wings to fly
I scarce recall their way

lavender
and jasper stains –
silver leaf and maple
the coldest water
reels from me the dawn
tempted by the leaving
of amber stems
and shade
feathers falling
ashes all around

nights I sleep
against the fold
of poems yesterday
were written to the leaves
beyond my door
gathered for the burning
smoke rings
ruby skies –
daylight sits
in clothes I never wore

. . .

ancient blue lining
clouds returning our sorrows
misty tears to rain

Mount Hood –
Smoky Mountains 2011