Nightfall

And now the purple mist

Once settled on the far hill

Stumbles, sneaks, and spills

Into our clumsy tryst.

And now a subdued sun

Casts quiet rays like tears,

Gray hairs from its beard

Fade and fall before they’re done.

And now the dusk-bird sings

Another aging season

Advances whether reason

Has soothed the deeper sting.

And now darkness descends

A cold moon consoles.

Exposure both extols

And, in turn, condemns.