on a melancholy angle

early morning rays break the horizon
with earnest anticipation
of what might come to pass

while soft and subtle colors
are bleached white when bathed
in the harsh glare of midday light

but late afternoon summer sunshine
hangs reverently in warm air
slanting sweetly through shivering
silver-green leaves
of towering poplar and beech
on a melancholy angle.

for emily dickinson