no filter required
ruby red popping delights
savouring the feast while I can

no filter required
ruby red popping delights
savouring the feast while I can


picking my way through the gravel and stones, downwards,
making progress, slow and with care,
thank you, i would have missed their passing, across the path ahead
one stopped, unperturbed, still and erect, checking me out
checking them out

a burst of autumnal rusts and reds
a westerly-north wind, evening coming on
a warm meal in my belly
be in the moment, absorb it.

Unto the deep, the deepness of calling
stepping out as a battered sojourner,
into the beauty and stillness of autumn,
strength comes from struggle and speaking the uncomfortable.
Anger but also grace in the refusal.

the beauty of autumn is scars
and well -worn wounds,
a weathering soul and willing heart

landscape on the turn
throws me back to another time, another place
in the mountains of Lazio
we gathered to write
taking inspiration from the changing colours
we gathered to share
visiting the ruins in Rome
ice creams and coffees
we gathered to create magic

raindrops on petals
a delicate caress is
felt within the soul

A fellow creative called out for submissions for a collaborative, community zine while she took compassionate leave after a death in her family.
Sarah Shott @ The Compost Heap made the call and I answered with a poem. The theme was hope.
You can read the full version over on Sarah’s website.
My contribution is above along with artwork from Nicole Madonna (Pennsylvania, USA)
Enjoy.

you can not say i did not give generously.
you can not say i did not give openly.
you can not say i did not give my truth.
you can not say i did not give my care.
you can not say i did not give my sweetness.
you can say though, i did not take your shit.
you can say i did not take your childish ways.
you can say i did not take your attention or care
and i most definitely did not take you heart.