Driving home at dusk

Tonight the sky is still visible
as I steer my headlights
southwestward for home.
Graded shades of vivid blue
a rare exposure of curvature
reminds me what planet I'm on,
Earth. Traversing her surface
translucent blue iris of an eye
darkening with evening
turning.

Comments

[marja-leena]

Beautiful, Leslee. A wonderful feeling to see the days lengthening. We've had morning frosts and fogs and sunshine this week - not bad for a change. Today at dusk, the sky is like you describe.

[MB]

"a rare exposure of curvature"
I like being where I can see the horizon, where I can feel the fullness of the landscape I ride. This has a lovely feel, Leslee.

[leslee]

Thanks, Marja-Leena. Yes, it is indeed wonderful to notice the light lasting a bit longer in the day.

MB: Actually I meant the curvature of the sky! There's not much horizon to be seen around here, but the shadings of sky color made it appear curved overhead. I wrote this quickly, so I'm sure it needs rewrite!

[Teju]

You hit this one true.

Thanks.

[MB]

Rest assured I knew you meant the sky, Leslee. That is a phenomenon I've noticed I see better when I can see the horizon, perhaps only because the expanse of sky, the canvas if you will, is larger... or perhaps there's something to do with the angle of viewing allowing one to see through *more* atmospheric distance, thus making the colors nearer the horizon appear darker? I'm not sure. At any rate, it's one of the reasons I appreciate being able to see the horizon. I think your poem is clear.

[beth]

Loved this, Leslee - especially the "blue iris of an eye."

Also wanted to say how much I enjoyed those photos of you on Franconia Ridge. I've never climbed there in summer but have photos of J. and me on the top of Cannon, back when I used to downhill ski. It's pretty magical over there!

[leslee]

MB: Thanks. And I know what you mean about having the bigger skies to see more atmosphere - you can see it more out west, particulary the southwest, in my experience. Here you can see the horizon line well at the seashore, but I haven't been up at sunrise much at the beach!

Teju: Gracias a ti.

Thanks, Beth. I never actually skied Cannon. I have skied at Loon, which I think is close. I hiked Wildcat when the colors below were a giant tapestry. That area is beautiful in any season.