Joy at Sunset

Joy at Sunset

38

On a cold winter day
In Washington, DC
Sam woke up,

Looked out at the snow outside
His suburban Virginia townhouse
With the postage stamp backyard

Called to his Maria, his wife,

“Wife, it is time for a break
let’s go to the islands
Barbados is calling.”

Two weeks later
They were on a beach
at the Hilton Hotel.

Enjoying mt. Guy rum sodas
While listening
To a steal band playing.

Just then
As the sunset
They witnessed
The legendary green flash.

As the whole sky
Turned bright green
For a moment.

Sam looked at his wife
Said,
“Let’s retire to the islands”

And they did.
And enjoyed many more
Nights of joy at sunsets.

And witnessed the green flash
Again after retirement.

Note: I lived in Barbados and the Eastern Carribbean from 2007-2010 when I was still working as a diplomat. green light is a phenomenon that occurs in the tropics when the conditions are just right – as the sunsets the sky turns bright green. I experienced it three times in Barbados.

Co-Pilot has background

The Green Flash is a meteorological optical phenomenon that sometimes occurs transiently around the moment of sunset or sunrise1. When the conditions are right, a distinct green spot is briefly visible above the Sun’s upper limb; the green appearance usually lasts for no more than two seconds1.
This phenomenon is more common over tropical oceans, especially when cold air is over a warm ocean2. It also happens over temperate oceans when cold air masses move south over warmer water2. The average length of these green flashes in the tropics is 2 seconds2.
The green flash occurs because the Earth’s atmosphere can cause the light from the Sun to separate, or refract, into different colors1. Green flashes are enhanced by mirages, which increase refraction1. A green flash is more likely to be seen in stable, clear air, when more of the light from the setting sun reaches the observer without being scattered1.
Despite the name, the phenomenon rarely appears as a flash. Far more often you’d see a rapid coloration of the last tiny blip of Sun as it sets3. It’s a truly fascinating spectacle of nature! 😊
Learn more
1 en.wikipedia.org2 isaac.exploratorium.edu3 skyandtelescope.org4 tropicalbreezeresort.com








There is a new prompt up in "The Writer's Cramp" - and if you write the best story or poem (and follow all of the rules) you just might win 10,000 GPs like "The Kissing Booth" by IE (131) did today!

" WINNER & NEW PROMPT Due Sunday July 7" 21 hours 42 minutes 47 seconds
Please write a story or poem that has the title:

"Joy at Sunset"

And please select "Inspirational" as one of your genres!