The Shadows (Poem)

By Les Henson.

Photo by Tanner Larson on Unsplash

The day comes to a close

with the lengthening shadows

of the ugly yet beautiful gum trees

marking the slowly approaching dusk

as the sun gradually descends

below the reddening hills.

The campfire burns in the darkness

casting shadows all around

the flames reach up towards the heavens

and sparks burst forth towards moon lit sky

whilst the clouds slowly traverse the firmament

casting ghost like shadows across the moon.

The fire flickers to the rhythm

of cicadas chanting in the distance

the gentle breeze enlivens the dying embers

as the coldness of the night begins to bite

in the hours just before the sun shows its head

above the shadow of the darkened blood red hills.