Sunset Song

by Becky Jo Ward

Petals of roses, flamboyant and soft

float from the earth

when their duty to the bush is through.

As the sun leaves the sky

they gently flame the horizon,

and like scented seraphs they

herald the stars.

If I were a sleepy cygnet

(Sometimes I wish I could be)

I would wake in the early evening

to fly over the silver sea.

I would wait for the sunset to be mirrored blow,

Broken somewhat by ripples and dappled

by galaxies.

Then I would soar for a while

through translucent clouds.

Photo by Julie Thornley

Best Photo by Wayne Rickords

Illustrated by Karen Bennett