The warm air lies flat on the dusk
as the sun pulls the last coral plume,
to a secret place
beyond the screen of impending darkness.

A startled blackbird screeches for safety,
hidden
in a shroud, dull jade
leaves
breath
quiet, at rest.

Silently,
across the low-growing ground,
the soft slimy creatures of the night
explore in the fading light,

Gone,
the fleeting illusion of a ghostly bat
as midges diffuse,

in the subtle smoke,
there is no conquest.