dappled midstream rock
pond sliders sunbathe  stretch necks
savor noontime warmth

This upheaval,
this racking, wrecking—
how long?
this grasping, thrashing —
toward what end?

Mind of matter—
limited.
Science of logic—
paltry.
Light of love—
dim…

Yet—
this hope

exciting embers
inflaming will.

Second Place Winner of the March/April 2009 Gulf Coast Poets “Sun and Shadow” contest, sponsored by Richard Peake.

First Place Winner of the March/April 2009 Gulf Coast Poets “Sun and Shadow” contest, sponsored by Richard Peake.

Third Place Winner of the March/April 2009 Gulf Coast Poets “Sun and Shadow” contest, sponsored by Richard Peake.

I am a creature of the dark
I sleep by day and rise by night
Like wolves that howl and dogs that bark
I am a creature of the dark
I shun the sun so shunning stark
I greet with joy the pale moonlight
I am a creature of the dark.
I sleep by day and rise by night.