Evening Scents

It is a cool and quiet evening,

The silken breeze

Soothes tired skin, and

Softly combs my hair.

From somewhere the breath of

Wildflowers and sage,

Drifts into the air,

Teasing my senses.

Spiraling up one nostril,

Then the other.

Coming to rest, gently, in a small

Still corner of my mind.

There to softly spread in pastel arms of scent,

Embracing and coloring my thoughts,

Flowing from one neuron to another

In multiple hues and flavors,

While memories awaken and

springtime returns.

R.P. Starbuck

Copyright 1991, 2001