already dead
bird-shadow darkens
the worm
Ryan Stone
Hunter
Before
his vital smile
and untroubled eyes
—enlistment photo
Ryan Stone
Seasons
so crisp
the autumn sun,
then winter
Ryan Stone
Ash
determined thief—
forest fire steals all
but their last embrace
Ryan Stone
On her death
ice on her duck pond
gently melts into water
changing…not leaving
Ryan Stone
Amaranthine
at the hot springs
below the line of thought
I find you, old friend
Ryan Stone
Smoke
twilit valley
clouds blow into ghosts
ephemeral life
Ryan Stone
Escape
Despite
the mist, the lack
of light,
they fly
true south, those geese,
while I
remain,
earthbound by age
and pain.
Ryan Stone
Broken
falling tears
shatter my face—
dawn tide pool
Ryan Stone
Hollow
silk corner cobwebs
entwine yesterday’s dry husks,
bloodless and rotting
Ryan Stone
days of stone 