Sunset Dare Poem by Barry Middleton

at the end of the day I pause
and I notice a church bell rings
a bird drifts across the sun
as if every memory has wings

the sights and the sounds of youth
rise up with the toll of the bell
the sunset and birds to the roost
may still have a story to tell

the day always comes to an end
and youth must surrender they say
the bird seeks its rest for the night
and men seek a rest from dismay

still deception will tease my mind
to pretend in the evening air
that I am yet young and still strong
and ready to take any dare