Streaks of Yesterday

I ran
skirt flapping in the wind
breathless
but something called me
pulled me away
from my idle day
Why did I come?
I wondered
And then I saw it
on the other side of the barren field
a molten ball
hanging low in the sky
such a beautiful color
glowing peach
with a streak of pink
calmly bidding farewell to the day
and then-
all too soon
it was gone
hidden behind a clump of trees
blue-gray in the twilight
leaving behind only streaks
of pink and purple
across the sky
and playful clouds
darkened by shadows
crickets
chirping
lost in thought
I barely hear them
wondering why I am here
wandering the gravel
watching the birds streak by
busy with their lives as birds
surely there is more awaiting me tonight
than just this fleeting beauty
or maybe
just maybe
this is why I have come
and as this day ends
I can look forward to tomorrow
forgetting the wasted hours
and restless days that haunt me now
for tomorrow
is like a clean sheet of paper
white as snow
waiting to be filled
a second chance
and somehow
everything is alright
forgiven
I can look forward to the sun’s return
bringing me another day
hoping to do better
awaiting new experiences
and fresh accomplishments
free from all but a few
streaks of yesterday.

--Maria Pauline--
August 19, 2008

Thank you, Maria, for allowing me to post your poem! So touching, and so true! May the Lord bless you!