Sunsets

A smile lingers on her face,
fading slowly, gently;
she remembers
Sunsets - the golden sun
leaving and dipping down
the horizon.
Slowly -
not wishing to go -
But leaving her the
promise of another day.

The smile fades
and disappears
As the cloak of night
Envelops her -
Protecting her
sensitive eyes
from the filth and squalor -

At least, for a night.

Usha, 22 January, '82