CHASING SUNSETS, PART TWO
Linda Delayen

He said they often fantasize about riding off into the sunset
but I don't.
I know, because I've seen the stars with him.
Instead, I chase sunsets across the miles
While shaking my way on metal wings of retreat.

He said they often fantasize about riding off into the sunset
but I don't.
My fantasies are enveloped in wee circles of time
carefully carved from a lesser whole.
He polishes them into gleaming amulets
that I hang around my neck on a chain of desire.

He said they often fantasize about riding off into the sunset
but I don't.
I say happily-ever-after only ends children's fairy-tales.
And he's content to be the vessel at the end of the rainbow
from which I can borrow
at high rates of interest.

He said they wind up disappointed when the sunset becomes
the dawn of reality
but I'm not.
I always figured if I reached the sunset
I'd get burned.
He said they often fantasize about riding off into the sunset
but I didn't.


© Linda Delayen 1998

Sunset in Motion 2
© Yan-David Erlich