The longest sunset
pours over the world’s edges
like a waterfall.
The horizon tries in vain to wrap its golden-yellow arms around every inch of the globe, dipping its hands in as many oceans and running its hands along the sides of as many mountains as it can reach. Even on this day, the other side of the mountain remains out of reach and the ocean only gives up some of its depths to horizon hands.
The shadows lengthen
under the spectrum sunset
in contradiction.
The shadows pace further from their homes on that day than on any other, their feet borne beyond the safety of their usual haunts, as if taunting the sunset at its inability to destroy the darkness. Even the shortest, the weakest, the brightest of nights is announced by the darkest of shadows. While the ground melts into nothingness, the sky is on fire.
Look up at the fire
as though there is nothing else –
to know you’re alive.
Photo by Scott Szarapka on Unsplash
At DVerse, we have been asked to write a haibun that alludes to the Solstice.
Seamus O'Shaughnessy, Jr. 
I like how you included the whole earth in your solstice haibun and your fantastic personification of the sun and the shadows.
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Thank you!
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This is so utterly beautiful. That final haiku is just AMAZING. Sometimes, we need something else to know we’re still alive and here.
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Exactly! I’m glad you liked it 🙂 I had trouble thinking of a final line that fit the haiku pattern 🤣 i wanted to do “To simply be human” but that’s too long
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the second haiku is by far my favourite part of your stunning poem.
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I’m glad you liked it! I’ve always found it amusing that dark and light need each other haha
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This is nothing short of magical, Evan. I especially liked this line from the beginning –
❤
David
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Thank you, I love that image too! I’m glad it resonated with you!
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I love the image of the horizon trying to wrap its arms around the earth. And the final haiku is wonderful!
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Thank you! I love the image because of its impossibility. There can never be light everywhere at once!
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Wonderfully composed from beginning to end. Probably the most enjoyable/engrossing response to the prompt that I have read.
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Thank you very much!!
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Beautiful. 🌷
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Thank you!
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The first haiku felt so magical. Horizon’s hug largest on the solstice. Wonderful haibun.
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I just thought about it and I guess horizon’s hug might be the smallest at the other solstice 🤣 but no need to think about that
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Such a thoroughly poetic description. Your prose is as delightful as the haikus!
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Thank you, thank you! 😁
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I like the haikus snugly surrounded with text. Nicely done.
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Thank you!
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