Toward the close of day

Toward the close of day
           an incomparable sunset
shooting in molten sapphire and gold
           shaft after shaft
through the ranks
           of the long-leaved corn

Another day—
           the rich dark green
of the tulip-trees
           and the oaks
the gray of the swamp-willows
           the dull hues of the sycamores
and black-walnuts
           the emerald of the cedars
after rain— and the light yellow
           of the beeches

Walt Whitman
(adapted by John Lyons)