Sleeve. Slashed.

in these late-night revelations
after the children have gone to bed
before the flames have filtered my words,
the gut-wrenching pain of every.
last.
sacrificial.
moment.

is as bright as an impromptu bonfire
on a Friday night
so far from the heart of darkness
that you’d squint your life trying to find.

and you’ll wear that superficial smile on your sleeve,
and bury in ashes the truth,
and wish to a god you don’t believe in
that the Sabbath would save you.

but there is no savior.
there is no Sabbath.
there is only the fire,
the Friday night lights,
the hope.

the hope hidden in darkness
with the caucaphony of sound
that penetrates every last heartbeat
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Win Back Steamboat

my baby building
trails through aspen wilderness
makes weekend perfect

moose sighting again
just below this rainbow life
topped by a fire

hot springs soak soreness
sunset over raffle wins
weekend warriors

Still Hard to Accept

what i always dreamed
is in this tent, this weekend;
but with all of us

Worth Every Sore Muscle

if i could be here
on this mountaintop puddle
when i die? i’d live.

Tents of Protection

a hike in haikus:
rain didn’t ruin our day
nothing but rest; joy

Party of Five (Like Imaginary Us)

a five-moose weekend
as rare as a whine-free hike
(i just needed one)

No Season for This

golden aspen view
with my daughter and puppy:
Labor Day of love
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Puppy Love

i just want this pup
to soften the world’s pain
i’m feeling right now
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Start Right

fish chowder Monday
to beg for fall’s return home
after too much heat
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Puppy’s First Hike

puppy in a pack
(though he hiked most of the way)
so happy with him