“Under the shadow
of a dead tree
a young pine struggles.”

“I throw things
at you
to keep you
from noticing
the cracks
in my walls.”

“…Clasping the mug
snuggly in both hands
welcoming its warmth

He rested his eyes
and listened through the quiet

It began to mizzle

The sound of droplets
on the corrugated
deck roof
was soothing

Straining his ears
he could hear
raindrops leapfrogging
through the trees
pelting autumn leaves…”