Belt of Venus Tanka / Sarra Culleno

Fresh up at sunrise,
golden light beckons from highs
girls with sparkling eyes.
Horizons immortalise
as orange ombres fill skies.

Zenith cheekbones shine.
Cherubs, halo-crowned, sublime,
capture youth's clean line,
still the onward march of time,
Goddesses' glorious prime.

Diffused Heavens splash
peaches and cream, no fill-flash.
Atmosphere awash.
Alpenglow pursued to catch
Venus' Belt's rosy arch.

Seraphs beautific,
highlights plump and silk tails flick.
Gold Hour's selfie-stick
snaps carefree abandoned click.
Cameras poised, lipstick slicked quick.

Age avoids blue light.
With our own faces we fight.
But when the time's right,
after glare of blue twilight,
gold of sun approaches night.

So, before sunset,
again, delightful light's set:
No filters. No fret.
Gold of Hour and Age have met.
Second sunlight warms regret

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London born and Manchester based, Sarra Culleno is a poet, mother and English teacher who performs at poetry events across the UK. She writes about children’s rights, motherhood, identity, gender, age, technology, the environment, politics, modern monogamy and education. Sarra is widely published. She features in many podcasts and radio shows, and was longlisted for the Cinnamon Press Pamphlet Prize. Sarra co-hosts Write Out Loud at Waterside Arts, and has performed as guest poet at numerous literary festivals. Instagram / Twitter / Facebook