Blue Hour

There is a magic photographers know

called the Blue Hour - 

it exists after the casual sunset hunters 

have returned their phones to their pockets

after the last burn of gold has dissolved

over the trees and rooftops.

The Blue Hour begins

when you realize you've been reading in the dark

for twenty minutes and you finally flip on a light

and wonder about the nature of time.

There is a secret window of minutes

when true night has not settled in -

where, if you let your camera drink in

the moment for the count of ten, or twenty -

the sky above the glow in your window,

above the shining street lamps,

above the taxi break lights

and the neon signs -

the sky will reveal a secret - 

that it hides a queen's blue,

but you have to wait for it.

and it does not last.