At Sunset

   It never ceases to amaze me as to how many great poets and writers did not receive any formal education in their early years. However, a love of reading, a hunger for words and a passion for life goes a long way.

    One such poet was Canadian writer and performer, Emily Pauline Johnson and I wanted to share one of her poems with you today. Being a woman and from a culturally diverse background, I'm sure it wasn't easy to gain recognition in the 19th century, however her words speak for themselves.

    At Sunset

Tonight the west over-brims with warmest dyes

Its chalice overflows

With pools of purple colouring the skies

Aflood with gold and rose

And some hot soul seems throbbing close to mine

As sinks the sun within that world of wine

I seem to hear a bar of music float

And swoon into the west

My ear can scarcely catch the whispered note

But something in my breast

Blends with that strain, till both accord in one

As cloud and colour at set of sun

And twilight comes with grey and restful eyes

As ashes follow flame

But O! I heard a voice from those rich skies

Call tenderly my name

It was as if some priestly fingers stole

In benedictions over my lonely soul

I know not why, but all my being longed

And leapt at that sweet call

My heart outreached its arms, all passion thronged

And beat against fate's wall

Crying in utter homesickness to be

Near to a heart that loves and leans to me

At sunset

Emily Pauline Johnson

1861-1913

 Collections of poems by Emily Pauline Johnson can be found on Amazon and throughout the web.