Flamingo clouds lighting the evening sky

Play red across the water to the east.

Still time before the dark descends; we sigh

And breathe hibiscus-scented air. The feast

Of color gives us momentary pause,

The stillness of the painted sunset lasts

Not nearly long enough. A lone gull draws

Our attention upward; then shadows cast

By strolling couples bring us back to earth

To appreciate this fine time of day

For few scant minutes more. This peace is worth

The price the coming darkness asks us pay.

The endless neon lights are for the crowds

Who jam the night, oblivious to clouds.