Becoming visible

Between the roof of sky

and the arch of flaming trees,

we linger, stunned by color, and

dazed by the sunset of the year,

are reluctant to seek shelter

under roofs we've built ourselves.

Sunset dwindles into twilight,

and the long dusk deepens.

Then, our shadows carve themselves

from shadows, and our shapes emerge,

lit by our evening windows,

by the lamps we bear within.

Like stars becoming visible

in evening sky,

our lamps burn brighter

when autumn's brilliance fades.

Enveloped by new darkness,

We see each other shining in new night.

(c) Copyright 1999. The Christian Science Publishing Society