Late Afternoon

There are plenty of days
that I let this moment pass,
just keep working,
ignore
the slant afternoon sun’s
beckoning call.

Come, it says. Rest.
Linger for a while.
You have worked hard today,
carrying the weight of the world
on your shoulders.

Set it down for a bit.
I will watch it for you.

Find something cool
or hot
to sip slowly.
Listen to the birds.
Remember how chipper they were
at the start of this day?
They, too, are winding down.

Stare off
into the unfocused distance.
Reminisce about something,
but make it tender.

Breathe deeply.
Feel the familiar hush
of sacred calm
soothe
your busy mind.

Soon enough,
afternoon will begin
its long transition to evening,
which has its own life,
its own demands.

So, for now,
come. Rest.
Linger for a while.
You have worked hard today,
carrying the weight of the world
on your shoulders.

By Maria Brady-Smith

Photo by Mike Smith