December Sunset in Old Hull

Old Hull survives at the edge of the encroaching capital.

December Sunset in Old Hull.

                                                Old Hull, Quebec. December 7, 2006.


The sun a pale flame on the horizon,
Village stores and dwellings huddle close,
Mute their colors, merge back into history.

Looming above and behind,
A broad, high, three-stepped office tower,
Stretching its strings of dimly glowing beads,
Spreads its abstract, proud geometry
Against the apricot sky.