End of Day

Sun setting
casting a vibrant splash
of pink across the horizon.
Blue skies now begin
their transformation to
the black of darkness.
On this Winter evening,
a quiet
falls upon
a noisy neighborhood,
lights shining in distant windows,
cars parked in driveways,
a snowman with black
coal eyes
stands on night watch
in a neighbor’s front yard,
a family gathers around the table
for supper…
a time of catching up.

Trees stand as sentries
in the darkness,
illuminated only by
the mystifying moonlight
from the heavens above.
The canopy of the oak
serves as a cozy haven
for the gray squirrel’s nest
of leaves
on this cold Winter night.
He will wrap his bushy tail
around himself
in hopes of staying warm.
Moonlight reflects off
the surface of new fallen snow.
Crystals of ice glimmer
like diamonds,
conjuring up
a magical scene
to all who might notice.
Off in the darkness,
the gentle hooting of
a Great Horned owl
signals his presence
in the territory that is his…
this silent hunter of the night,
is awaiting his opportunity
to swoop down
on his unlucky prey.
In this darkness,
there is peace
that covers my corner of the world.
For these moments in time,
the sounds of war and hatred
have retreated
and glorious sounds
from the heavens
can be heard
as they filter into
my heart.

I am
humbled by this gift.






