Nightfall

The flaming torch of the sun 
sinks toward the horizon
its brilliant farewell glancing 
through the forest. Dusk hovers 
patiently prepared to unfold
its soft grey curtain over the 
winter landscape. The silent
sentinels of frigid trees stand
aloof and dark. There is no 
movement, there is no sound.
The quality of serenity amid
the stark contrasts of the white
surface of the forest floor
punctuated by black trunks
and grey shadows permeate the
atmosphere of peace and solitude
a world in and of itself lost
in another companion world
of artificial existence far from
nature's authentic blueprint.