Crepuscule

Today's word is "crepuscule" ... twilight; dusk.

Twilight
Winter's night comes early; deer forage cautiously
   through the crepuscule, their dark coats blending
          with trees the color of soot.
Wind blows in and around roots ... tossing leaves
      carelessly, as if they were not the treasured remains
          of a thousand sunlit hours.
The last light in the darkening sky fades. Wispy clouds
     scud weightless over disappearing orange as translucent
           as a shell held before a flame.
Shadows settle. Night birds call, confirming life
     vibrant in it's invisibility. The hours until daylight
          are filled full.
These things will happen as we dream. When we
     wake to sun slanting through the window,
          the night birds will sleep in peace.
       
Anne Selleck
Copyright 2013