There is a brief moment in the day just before dusk where the light changes. The shadows lengthen and the sun ignites the trees and flowers in a gentle golden glow. Some call it the Golden Hour.  At this time of day, the breeze becomes still, as though the earth is holding its breath and patiently waiting for the coming night.  This is, by far, my favourite time of day – perfect for long evening strolls and quiet contemplation. This is also often thought of as the best time to take nature photos, for the light has a unique quality to it that allows us to see the world in a different way.  Though it often feels too short, there is joy in the sun’s passing.

                     The Golden Hour
                   By Krista Longeway

The sun slips towards the dark horizon,
Painting the sky with orange and crimson,
Shadows slowly lengthen as dusk draws nigh,
Blurring the lines between the earth and sky,
And all the world takes on a golden hue,
Turning the familiar to something new,
Igniting a glow in tree and flower.
It is during this fleeting Golden Hour,
That even the sound of the summer breeze, 
Is calm and still in the tops of the trees,
As though ‘twas holding its breath all along,
Waiting patiently for the cricket’s song,
To signal that the night has come at last.
The gentle glow is gone, the hour has passed.
There is joy in the setting of the sun,
Yet too soon the sun’s Golden Hour is done.