Tanka Sequence

 SHIFTING GEARS

between flights

of here and there

a hopping bird,

how far could I go

if I had wings?

a new plan—

the child in me

wants to believe

in fairy tales

and miracles

game on

with the squirrel

try and try again 

the feeder is the challenge

squirrel—10, me–0

spring dances her way

across the stage with small steps

slow and hesitantt

pauses and waits for winter

to take his bow and leave

another plan

doomed to lose or hyped to win

intentions are high

too long to think of a week

I look to the next hour

Red Lights