Dick Raymond's October Poem - SUNSET ON THE HILLS *

                                                           

                                                                         

           

                                                        

                             
    

                        

                                            SUNSET ON THE HILLS *

                        Slow clouds drift by, like pink-sailed frigates cruising,

                        Mists creep along the valley-floor below,

                        The distant mountain-ridge is masked in shadow,

                        Pale blue above belies the sunset-glow.

                        Far thunder booms to westward--showers coming,

                        But snug on the veranda I belong,

                        To watch the slow envelopment of evening

                        And sing the silent verses of my song.

                        The trees below, full-leafed, will soon be barren,

                        Our lives, as leaves, float downward, one by one,

                        Unwise to count remainders on our fingers,

                        Soon, soon enough will sink the setting sun.

                        A white streak chalks the sky, great jets are passing—

                        Somewhere on high a meeting there shall be,

                        These "surly bonds of earth" will be uplifted

                        With smiles and laughter, jubilant and free.

                        8-31-18