The day descends into the west,
the azure sky turns pale,
fading into the night.
A man strolls with peaceful steps to cross the street.
An auto turns on lights and passes by.
A star appears, a diamond set to close the day.
A couple, hand in hand, and wrapped in thought,
move on their way past parkside flowers.
The leaves of street lined trees
shimmer in evening breeze.
The rush of day is past,
and calm of twilight covers all the town.
Street lamps come on to help the darkness slow.
A whistle from a train sounds out to mark its way.
A barking dog identifies some motion out of sight,
or seems surprised to see the moon ascend.
The coolness brings refeshment from the heat of day.
How peaceful is the dusk!
The quiet of the night is moving in,
To bring a time of rest from hours of toil.
What solace to enjoy this evening hour!
(July 1995)