Autumn Evening Poem by Marilyn Shepperson

The daytime was drifting over
As the sun began to sink
Like a phoenix in it's flamming nest
The oystercatchers pipping
Could be heard over everything
As they skimmed over the surface of the sea
Seagulls on the wing, called to each other
As they sought their nests on the cliffs
Creatures left behind by the sea's retreating
Now sought shelter under rocks in tiny pools
The sea gave the shore, one final goodnight kiss
Before beginning it's withdrawing
A soft gentle beeze ruffled the grasses
And the beach's salt laden flowers
That we would call weeds
All that now could be seen of the sun
Was the merest eye hurting red sliver
But the last softened beams, gave the sky a glow
And turned it almost green
Grey evening clouds became dramatically fiery
Then gradually the colour deepened
As the sun slipped below the horizon
All was quiet, except for the sea's sushing
The clouds and the sky gave way to darkness and stars
This was the passage of most autumn evenings
From twilight to dusk to night.