February 2018 – Iron Haiku

glowing yellow eyes-
pure malevolence lurking
within the shadows
–
soft underbelly-
the sudden turn
of claws and teeth

on the village green
the hollow toll of church bells
ringing out the dead
–
frozen earth-
grave diggers toil
into the night

snoring quietly
your head still on my shoulder-
our show just over
–
dreams of snow-
waking to
tv static

white breath and mittens-
on the pond shaved ice gathers
the sounds of laughter
–
heavy blankets-
the sound
of falling snow

broad fields of amber
spread under a western sky-
gentle autumn rain
–
thinning clouds-
baled hay
in the sun

deep under water
looking back at the surface
as I sink farther
–
valentines day-
ice cracks
beneath my feet

in my father’s chair
still unprepared to carry
this heavy burden
–
fallen acorns-
my little feet
in your shoes

my bed, no respite
dark lonely hours renege on
the promise of sleep
–
flannel sheets-
the rhythm
of your breath

written in anger
signed in blood and gently sealed
with the kiss of death
–
impending storm-
newspapers aloft
in the morning wind

hushed elevator-
the open doors close once more
leaving us alone
–
frosted glass-
winter air
seeps in