They call your kind Indian Paintbrush
in legend, a plant used by a boy to paint the sunset
– all colors of the evening sky
oranges and reds, yellows and pinks –
then he scattered you, unwashed
throughout the landscape
bringing beautiful colors to the hills
like each evening’s sky
But you are green
I asked my friend if she’s ever seen green at sunset…
surprisingly she said, yes – the green flash
optical phenomenon, rare second or two
as the lingering kiss of sun leaves the horizon
You are the green paintbrush
You hold the color of that rare moment
that final ephemeral phase seen only by the few
before evening’s light transforms into night
So, sit, glowing green on the hills
proudly hold that precious paint and show
what rarities are possible
a reminder
– to others, to yourself –
to always watch the horizon