Lesley S. King

If I could only see myself the way I see my garden…   In its fledgling flax and parched penstemon I see graceful limbs and bold blossoms opening to the desert sun.   In the microscopic thyme that barely survived the winter, I see a brave heart. Kneeling to it, I say, “I thought you […]

I concentrate to play each note right Pluck the base, strum the treble. Focus on the beat, one-two-three-four. Oh, but don’t forget the syncopation!   Then comes the arpeggio: Fingers move so fast they crash into each other!   And of course the words: I must sing in tune and remember the harmony.   Ahhh—I […]

  When the lights go out in your house and you can’t even find a candle…   When yellow gas seeps under the door frame and through the vents…   Hold steady and call on the Brilliant One inside.   That light is brighter than the darkness that hides in every corner and nook— that […]

How would I ever get home if not for this road with all its potholes?   Sometimes I scream in the dark when my headlights aren’t bright enough to light the way.   Or when fog and icy rain lead me to follow random taillights into ditches and even over cliffs.   Or when road blocks […]

I thumb through the photo album. There I am in at age six wearing a Sunday plaid suit. Defiant, I dart my tongue at the camera.   In high school, a pudgy face and body from boarding school starch, I slouch in the Y of a tree.   In college, tan, golden hair, I fondle […]

Give up hope, for better health for peace with your neighbor for a lasting relationship.   Trade in those plastic poker chips for actual gold.   Mind says, “No!”   “If I lose hope I have nothing left in my pockets.   “Without hope, the Grand Canyon yawns between my ears.”   Exactly!   Nothing […]

You walk along the road, sun warm on your cheeks love sparkling in your eyes, as you know where you’re going.   From a side street that handsome one with chocolate brown eyes and lips made for kissing gestures you over, envelops you in a hug.   This is the love you’ve been waiting for! […]

My mate’s head, cheek and teeth sear with lightning pain. His voice grows pale, movements like taffy, a hunted look in his eyes. This man who lifts his loved ones off the ground in enthusiastic hugs now fragile as a dragonfly wing.   Immediately my mind kicks in—must help, must find a cure.   Ask […]

The lizard lifts high on his legs and sprints alongside your bike. His pointed nose and yellow stripes blur, as he churns up the dust. The raven swoops low over your shoulder. Her wings say whoosh, whoosh as she breaks open the sky. The water spider skates on an invisible membrane. His Martian shadow dances […]

  The dog you rescued with a scar on her brow  wags her tail and looks up at you, dark eyes shining mouth curved in a little smile.   But that lonely road where you found her limping stays branded on her heart.   In a tough moment, as she huddles in the corner wrapped in […]