From the Jura mountains after sunset, Frank Oliver Call watches the distant Alpine peaks catch the last light. He imagines them as a string of pearls that the day has taken off and laid against the deep purple velvet of the valleys. For a moment, the mountains seem proud and alluring, glowing in the twilight. Then the mood changes. Night does not simply fall; it stretches out “black greedy fingers” and steals the bright summits one by one. The speaker sounds caught between wonder and a quiet sense of loss, admiring something beautiful while knowing it is about to vanish. The resulting mood is hushed, dramatic, and just a little eerie—like the final moment before darkness closes in completely.
After Sunset on Jura — Summary
The Alps-- A mighty string of pearls Which Day has laid aside-- Flaunt their alluring beauty Upon the purple velvet of deep valleys, Until night, Stretching out black greedy fingers, Steals them one by one.