A dragon swallowed the sun. Darkness engulfed the lands. The people grieved, rending their hearts and garments. Did some sacrifice defeated warriors or maidens atop ziggurats to appease the sun-stealing serpent? Were their deaths in vain?

a pine envined

the scent of incense

sold for six pence

New York City lay outside the totality. Even as the moon occluded 90% of the sun, daylight remained. Nevertheless, clouds gathered, and a curious shade fell upon the ground. A look through eclipse-rated glasses revealed the black circle of the moon nearly eclipsing the orange circle of the sun.

wooshing wind

harsh words I can’t rescind

the old cold after

All too soon, the solar eclipse ends. All too soon, our principal recalls us for our weekly professional development. All too soon, we realize the hype that is this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event

a taste

of wasted food

bitter tears