Crimson Beauty

     I walk down the sidewalk that boarders our property line. Past the maples and the mailbox. The cloud coverage that was existent all day is finally clearing and I can see the warm rays of the sun starting to set. They cast a petal pink evening glow across the neighbourhood and show the shadows at their strongest. 

     I casually make my way along the sidewalk, pausing at the bike path that leads down to the park and listening to some shouts and giggles coming from the playground. I decide to change my path of direction and take a stroll through here instead, along the rolling hill. 

     The breeze gently kisses my cheeks as I pass under the evergreens, and it's still warm enough that I feel comfortable in my shorts and amaranth t-shirt. I can hear the distinct whistle of robins and blue jays starting to settle down for the night, and smell the distant scent of barbecue coming from a neighbour's backyard.

     I shield my eyes from the last bit of sunlight that tries to blind me as I come around the loop of the park, and continue on the sidewalk again. It's quiet here, and there's a certain serenity that makes me want to freeze time and simply indulge. There's a quiet ticking off to my left side, the result of a sprinkler watering the grass, and as I continue on my walk I see a few people meticulously mowing their lawns. Passing a few people with dogs and strollers are the only encounters I make. 

     Finally I see it. The highlight of my trip always lies around the corner of the bike path. On the edge of a huge property is a cedar rail fence and trellis stretching at least thirty feet and adorned in crimson roses. I've never been entirely sure who owns the property, but it's always been my favourite place in the neighbourhood because of the copious amount of roses that are in full bloom this time of year. The way that the sun rays illuminate the blossoms makes it feel like one of the most pleasant places in the city to be, and the fragrance that the flowers give off is almost saccharine. The purpose of my walk complete, I decide to stay here for a while marvelling over the bright carmine colours and taking in the scent and sight of the Crimson Beauty on Evergreens Drive.