summer, 10pm

i stand on the porch in the evening shadows
birds chatter, softly, settling into night
far away sounds, a car, the river
evening strollers walk by

a mosquito, stealthy now, fades in the shadows
my skin feels cool, but insect bite reveals its warmth
i should be inside, hot and steamy
fan brings little relief

out in the dusk light fades
first star, muted streetlights, the city glows
i linger in the stillness, linger in the stillness
willing back the night