Dusk

Blue hued purple melded clouds outlined in golden orange sun glow meander at a leisurely pace across a light cyan sky. Like some unworldly silent beasts the clouds move as if grazing on the day's last sunshine. The sun sinks lower; the cyan plain across which the cloud herd migrates gradually gives way to a less illuminated version of it self. I sit calmly, resting. A long days work done. Upon my front porch a sturdy wooden bench holds my tired body. The air is crisp and cool as are my sips of beer. There is something very satisfying in the enjoyment of a sunset and cold brew. Refreshing is the breeze. Delightful are the sights and sounds in this brief hour of dusk; this rare glimpse of every day magic in which day and night waltz. My favorite time of day.

            Contently, I listen to the subtle symphony ensemble of sounds that can only be herd together during this phantasmal span. Crickets chirp their soft melody. A distant traffic roar of those journeying home to their loved ones seems a waterfall's babble. Children's laughter ripples from down the street. Some neighbor's TV plays a happy commercial jingle. Lone far-off barks of a dog echo out.

            Gazing around, a smile creeps across my face. No bigger than my pinky, a fluttering butterfly navigates through and over the blades of grass that is my lawn. On the adjacent road a woman pulls into her driveway and opens the car's backdoor letting out a golden retriever before they both disappear into their abode. Trees near one another rustle leaves and their branches sway against each others, like old colleagues shaking hands. Just a couple of houses down I spot an outside light come to life. I ponder the occupant's anticipation of someone yet to come home.

            With quiet fanfare the life giving light has lost it-self far below the tree line. The cloud heard has shed their golden outlines and deep blue soaks through the atmosphere. Mosquitos congregate for a nightly convention. Out the corner of my eye zips the silhouette of bat. Sweet drink of mine you are no more.