thinking below the noise level

is insular protection
our choices are limited
in survival mode
but not powerless
a kind of self-preservation
the soul
stays above the pit
as fire singes our faces
outmoded tools
to the open hearth

--- e b bortz

earth note 109

forgiveness is a lame snowfall

before the big melt
& cross-country skis
go washing down
a mad river maelstrom
thread
snow packed trails again
touch deepest quiet
breathe weeping ridges
find the last surviving hellbender
and river otter
seek higher ground
meditate whitetail
free

lives of solitude
before the dark

--- e b bortz

red-blue-red, part 2

no color this morning
gray waves blanket
red east rush
the d word
slips in the back door
there won’t be an i
this blue mix
has nowhere to go

let red maples
steal
what time is left

--- e b bortz