Heavy with steaming breath,
a mildewy musk greets piqued nostrils
as night’s spittle hanging heavily,
trees freshening by darkness gone
grass greening under sun strike,
an abandoned dog lies leaf collaged,
joyed by dawn’s soft caress
The sun’s elevation candles the air,
climbing chilly to tepid by degrees
lifting grey spirits to muted lemons,
not heightening yellows of joy,
but, enough to chase away despondency
In skies growing baby-blue fair
Midday light caressed with shy blushes
hopeful rays born by branch lattice,
patterns of change danced on puddles
decorative designs, bedevilling belief,
as zephyrs weaved a squirrelly path
through water-borne reeds and rushes
Dusk nearing yet lustre lasting
its golden glow harbouring a horizon’s hue,
hope radiating in glittering gold
beaconing windblown sunset sails
dipping lost, leaving pastel lilacs
sending shadow’s eerie casting
Daylight sleeps for the stars’ sake
the dawn dog warms into yellow browns
as breezes depart, dampness deepens,
sounds emanate from the dark, unease
and mystery migrates from all and every,
leaving hopes and dreams opaque
Mark McGill
Napier, NZ
