Tone on Tone
by Diane Miller
Citron and orange,
cobalt, magenta,
Warring, jarring,
shrieking flashing,
Wavering sizzling neon
hum
Burnout: “Sorry we are …losed.”
Cool to the touch, what
seems so hot,
Because it is a gas, you
know,
The colors of Youth
escaping into ether.
But oh, the dazzling
dance along the way!
Then brilliant Youth
elides to Age.
Shades mute and blend to
pastel tinge,
Fern and sky and sunset
pink,
Reflected light in gentle
water.
Delicate ripples now and
again
Trace lapping laced with
gold,
Stillness savored while
it lasts
Until the colors
Fade to
Snow.