Black.Lake.Walking

Bare feet crunching in black sand.
Walking along the shores of darkness.
Maybe a lake.

Many miles pass.
Is it getting darker?
I thirst,
and bend down scooping up some water
Desire brings it to my lips.
No wetness.

Thirst goes on with no stopping.
Scanning the dark emptiness for what?
Is God out there?
Oh,
but I so much desire God to be out there.
Not knowing pierces.
Hurts somewhere I can’t reach.

Suddenly, I’m naked
and feel ashamed.
But no one’s here
Except
God.
I lose my shame
And drop it on the beach.
I leave the pain I’ve been carrying
on the beach.
I cover my wounds with moist, black sand.
They cool in the darkness.
And walk on,
scanning dark emptiness
Searching.
Always.

By The Fire: A Poem

Sliver moon
cradled in the trees.
Bats scamper among the stars.
Fire releases the warmth
of the sun
and flickers on the faces
of my friends.

My poodle is quiet,
finally,
at my side.

My son is smiling,
as he cremates
another marshmallow.