Skull Necklace

That smile of yours was infectious Your eagerness to please A waste Your life on earth was so precious Shattered by your disease In haste You rushed full speed into reckless With toxic remedies The weight Of winter leaves our lungs breathless  We sink upon our knees The date Worn heavy like your skull necklaceContinue reading “Skull Necklace”

Broken Promise

Each winter I promise myself I will bundle up and walk in the frigid air. Occasionally, I keep my promise. Mostly I shiver at the thought and remain indoors. I breathe in the stale, dry air of central heating and the recirculating dust that seems to reproduce, despite regular cleaning and air filter replacements. WalkingContinue reading “Broken Promise”

A chōka: Fleeing South

Great snowstorms up northWinter’s wrath is upon usFleeing as a birdSeeking respite from the coldFrigid winds blow southSought warmth remains elusiveBare branches tauntingDefying the need for greenNo doubt I shall persevereSettled in deep southBiting northern winds muzzledCool breeze on bare skin Thawed in the warmth of the sunA gift of spring in winter Colleen’s 24Continue reading “A chōka: Fleeing South”