Unease

wind shakes the bony trees
rattles my heart
blue sky powdered white
ethereal fabric of day
one hand casts a net of light
another drags a veil of shade

Cubicle

These papers smell of futility,
layer upon layer of sediment.
My back feels watched, vulnerable.
Walls enclose but don't protect..
The doom-riddled sky
has shut its door,
as I shut my eyes.

Morning Ablution

shower spray
hope fresh,
clean as soap
before thoughts
crash over me
pulling me
out to sea

Grace

The cat dips one paw into the cup of water and licks it daintily, thoroughly. When she has her fill, she sashays along the table edge, reaches front paws onto the the chair arm, then stretches, haunches lifted, before landing softly on the cushion.

Catnap

the cat lay
in a blissful stupor
when my 8 year old
hugged it around the middle
hauling it onto her lap
pressing her face into
its neck fur
soft and pliable, the cat
resigned itself to affection
for a time

Sleep

thoughts float
sluggishly
in the still air
fatigue circles
then curls
and settles
drowsy, heavy weight
of slow breath

Snow

snow carries
so much hush
a gentle
maternal touch
as if earth said
quiet, please
I can't hear
myself think.

Wind

Wind pushes the traffic lights
up and down
like kids on swings.
How will we know when to stop?

Reflection

The building opposite
so flat, dull, dun colored
made for utility not beauty,
except its many windows
are pools of still water
suspended like banners
giving back the sky
and her clouds
and the bare branches reaching