Sunset

I stood alone waiting for the splendor, gazing west at the appointed hour, watching the great orb behind distant clouds, moving at its own pace, marking its own time. When I arrived, gray was the color at horizon's line, where water and atmosphere kiss. The ocean reflecting off its salty surface, nature's mirror, about to be placed in sunset's drawer, made horizon's line fuzzy. Minute by minute color shifted. Imperceptible change of warmer color brought cooler air to the growing crowd around me. A silent battle of night and day raged before my eyes, each seeking dominance. And then day's blood slowly turned the sky to pale pink. Night's victory was applauded by the large gathering, as gray slowly succumbed-- replaced by brilliant red. Moments later day's free-flowing blood lost its splendor. Its life waned, with ever deeper shades. Darkness traveled quickly from the east covering the sea, overtaking me, while another day breathed its last. I returned to my car with the others, mourning the loss of a friend, a day I would never see again.