sunset blood drains
from transient clouds
as the bone-white moon
hangs in haughty defiance
over a jaundiced prairie

and as the life-giving sun
descends into its earthly grave
centuries of ghosts
whisper their hollow secrets
on the northern wind

they speak only of yesterday
amid the coagulating darkness
having long forgotten
the radiant life of today
and the promise of tomorrow

She said,
a Shih Tzu,

bless you
I offered in reply
but of course,
she meant
the dog.

Time has been given
And time will be taken
Some have a lot left
While others non left
Use it wisely
Before you
No longer can
Don't wait till
You can't run bend stand
Or see the dirt covered road
Ahead of you
Smell the fresh cut grass
Hear the sweet sound
Of birds
Sip a warm cup
Of tea
Read a book
You've been meaning to
Now is the time