May 2016 – Iron Haiku

it’s just a small cut
and it’s the last time, I swear
until the next one
–
self destruction
a trail of history
on my arms

since you got sent home
I’ve been sitting by your side
praying you’ll return
–
waiting-
trying not
to lose hope

don’t gamble on me
there’s far too much at stake and
you don’t know the score
–
what you see
I choose
to show

longing for the time
when there is no one to please
and nowhere to be
–
cherished,
those few minutes
between calls

caressed by the pen
ink and paper combine with
the lightness of verse
–
liquid words
meandering
into prose

faded cutoff shorts
bare feet out the car window
hair teased by the wind
–
hot skin
cool sheets
and promises

I’m never alone
my ally, my enemy
you’re always with me
–
ever present
that little voice
of self doubt

adrift in the tide
seagulls carving lazy arcs
through the azure sky
–
becalmed,
awaiting the moon
and the fish

a cold winter night
staccato rain on the roof
you, keeping me warm
–
winter’s eve
with you, I’m
warm inside

freshly mown spring grass
a frog hops to the safety
of an old stone wall
–
the bull frog
peeks out from
behind a stone