I sit in the quickening darkness

and listen.

The birds last song of the evening

giving way to the night chorus of peepers.

The panting of the dogs

as they tire themselves out

struggling over one last stick.

Eventually, even they settle

and there is only the soft padding of feet

and gentle jangle of tags as they choose

the best spot to watch me

as the light fades.

In the darkness I smell

the rich, clean smell

of freshly turned earth.

And I am comforted

knowing even in the blackness

Life continues.