Thank you to Editor Jerry Langdon of Raven Cage Zine for publishing these two pieces.

                                                            Thoughts in Saffron

The crown of the sun king,

regal austerity sent our way bearing heat and light.

Amber perceived shine within drips of rain

reflects glory upon cowslips and corn.

Whiffs of sulphur 

set off cautionary alarms

from which we will distance ourselves.

The bouquet of nectar,

and honey’s candied scent,  

embodied as bumblebee beacons.

Precious coins earned, 

a living wage,

gentles later golden years.

Upon the yellow brick road,

yellow taxis helmed by drivers 

with flaxen topped heads,  

follow our directions

toward the brass ring

holding our best choices.