Sunset, Smokies

My camera and I meandered through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      one glorious April weekend.
I walked the trails during the midday hours,
      stopping here and there to inspect wildflowers, decaying tree trunks,
            stones covered with moss, a very still stream.
Come evening, I knew I wanted to watch the sun take its leave
      behind a line of those undulating blue hills.
Earlier in the day I had scouted out the perfect place to stand
      when the evening light approached.
Upon arriving there, I realized I was not alone in my plans.
Twenty-five people, most with their cameras poised,
      were already lined up along the stone wall
            that kept the winding road from falling into the valley below.
I took my place, prepared my camera, situated my tripod, and waited.
People were bantering back and forth, creating a festive atmosphere.
The observation point took on the earmarks of a party.
The closer the sun approached the horizon line, however,
      the quieter the group became.
At the moment this image was being exposed, everyone was silent.
It seemed the most appropriate way to honor the sight before us.