under cover of darkness
the tiger stands still
knowing
she hasn't been seen

but i feel her presence
loud and clear
like i'm seeing
an actual ghost

my first advance
wounds her left foreleg
as she claws me
with her right

the struggle ensues
as we both land
a series of
hefty blows

we catch our breath in
each other's eyes
and see the battle
commence and end

and knowing ourselves
we nod or heads
understanding
we both will win

we go our separate
ways for now
both knowing
we'll meet again

smooth grey stones
bounce across the stream
as if begging for one last glimpse
of the rainbow-toned sunset

as they skip across
the fast current surface
before sinking into a watery grave
as i throw them to their death

auburn sunlight filtering through morning fresh hair
heavenly glow reveals my love’s angelic undertones

intertwining braids of steam rise from dark roast
enchanting motes as they rise to join the warm dance

inspired warbling rises and falls reporting sparrow drama
cacophonous nonsensical song language now silent

straw dry grass **** carpeting compound slopes
winds of winter leaving desiccated shells of summer

children questioning endlessly classwork requirements
kitchen table homeroom littered with chromebooks and notebooks

how lucky can one man be

the fire of desire burns in every heart
until cindered ashes fall apart
revealing the cavern hidden inside
and if it feels full it's just
a lie

everything i threw into the fire
that i might quench thirstful desire
was consumed so quickly and then
the fire begged for fuel again
and again

there is no solace in this place
i am so ready to leave this race
and find in my heart once and for all
the peace that can only come from
the fall

out of this mindset and the stupid pace
to find again a peaceful head space
full of people that care for their neighbor
and help each other to
always remember

that we are nothing but love at our core
nobody wants to live at war
so why can't we  stop the constant fight
and instead see ourselves with a
clearer sight

and feel that our greatest power
comes in unity of every flower
that grows in this fertile garden
that was planted by god's
own hand

a moth feels
gravity for the flame
as it navigates the
darkest of nights
hunting for flowers
from which to sip
nocturnal ambrosia

and as the flame
chars gossamer wings
and its body
becomes one
with the universal
flame of love
the moth knows
that it never
had a choice

as i sit in your
alluring presence
i feel the pull
and understand the
gravity of the flame