To carry life’s
complex messages
The structure
must be simple

Like angle iron
at ninety degrees
the weight to never
buckle

A thrusted spear
a hammer punch
direction
short and measured

Effects most dire
with arrows fired
from bows
— most straight delivered

(Chief Joseph Highway: August, 2025)

The Mountain
looms
and calls your name
To glory
or
perdition

Its summit
has a thousand
fathers
Whose abyss
awaits
— the orphan

(Beartooth Pass: August, 2025)

I can’t build
the bridge
But I can cross it
when asked

I can’t mark
the trail
But I can follow
when tasked

I can’t light
the fire
But I can warm
in its glow

I can’t walk
on water
But I can bathe
in its flow

I can’t play
the harp
But know an Angel
with hands

I can’t save
the masses
But love a Savior
— who can

(The First Book Of Prayers: August, 2025)

Common Sense
uncommon
Wisdom
in the queue
Figures lie
as liar’s figure
Judgment
— left askew

(Dreamsleep: August, 2025)

With children
a house becomes alive
Without them
an empty shell
With children
new moments of joy arrive
Without them
an unringing bell

With children
laughter stays in the air
Without them
but memories dwell
With children
the years to age unimpaired
Without them
— all magic is quelled

(Dreamsleep: August, 2025)

The emptiness of
possibility
One hand clapping
— in the wind

(Dreamsleep: August, 2025)

I’m not going to
watch you leave
but I’ll revel in the fact
you’re gone ...
I’m not going to say
goodbye
while I bask in the silence
heard ...
I’m not going to speak
your name
but I’ll covet what stays
unsaid ...
I’m not going to return
your love
while throwing our tryst
— to the wind

(Dreamsleep: August, 2025)