7:17

the sun not quite parallel to the ground.

but just low enough to cast a ray of fiery light from her front step to her back porch.

it painted a column of golden-orange through the house.

and left contrasting shadows where it couldn't reach.

she walked the path,

back and forth,

front step to back porch,

and watched as her shadow followed, then led.

this light was different.

it wasn't like the kind that

danced through the

leaves in the wind.

or the kind that sparked the cicada's song.

no, this light was different.

it was still, and silent.

but its colors screamed

NOTICE ME!

and she did.

and she tried her best to

capture it.

remember it.

savor it.

because she knew

it would only last a moment.

and then it was 7:18

alex anne