The dreadful —-

packed inside

piercing thoughts

and incessant inner

droll


Paralyzed —-

by toxic breath

and black sound

streaming dark figures

that howl, and scream

and bend


Driftless —-

in a burnt out sky

the churning red blaze,

peeling flesh from bones

of tombstone soldiers


Arsenic blood

in a deep altered state —-

too little?

too much?

too late


Faces in the shadows

that hint of home —-

bring comforts lost

to each, his own

Through the towns and country lanes
fortress walls and ancient stains
Roman treasures, aquaducts
the running bulls, a stroke of luck!

Cobblestone and feudal cracks
the culture weaves and summer smacks!
enchanted ramparts, medieval ruins
coliseums and communes

Aigues Mortes to Avignon
the rolling hills and castles strong
fields of grape and olive trees
cicadas singing on the breeze

Tranquil rivers, lost lagoons
horses prancing at high noon
flora and fauna in lofty decree!
say the sycamore and cypress tree

De Lumières in tomb-like calm
illuminating sounds of Brahm
Vermeer, Picasso and Van Goh
the ghosts of Voltaire and Rousseau

Les Baux-de-Provence's immersive stage
brush strokes wide from another age
chambers deep at quarry rock
the mesmerizing notes of Bach

Sacred figures, holy shrines
monestries in grand design
blocks, arches and polished stone
gladiators at the throne

Castle turrets and dungeon bars
the ancient bridge of Pont du Gard
chapel bells across la ville
spiral stairs where time stands still

Scrolls and chronicles filled with scars
church and state with dark memoirs
scholars, artists and dignitaries
in pursuit of God...and all his glory

Dapple gray harbour
…humpback in breach!
a brown ruffed grouse
with apricot cheeks!

Pileated peckers
in caramel trees
the swirling fall mist
and gusty cold breeze

Bonfires and embers
in a harvest-moon sky
the cider house rules
and baled-hay ride

Warm roasted chestnuts
cozy fall stews
scarecrows and pumpkins
those dark autumn blues!

Parkas and sweaters
with cinnamon shades
a hot mulled wine
in the cornfield maze

Pine cones and acorns
on a brisk fall morn
frosty cold breath
and flannels well worn

Ghosts and goblins
…ole hallows eve!
the landscape covered
in dry golden leaves

A grateful Thanksgiving
with family and song
daylight (un) savings
where shadows grow long!

A north wind whispers
the harvest complete
stack up the woodpile
winter’s in reach!

Storm clouds brewing
the foliage flies
let’s spark up the franklin
and scurry inside!

Pull up a blanket
and call in the cat
...it's a perfect time
for a fireside chat!