A sunset is imagined here as a violent struggle. The sun fights the earth all day, and when the earth finally gives in, the sun wounds her and pours her blood across the evening sky. That red glow is not beautiful in a peaceful way; it feels like an open wound. Against this sky, two dark birds fly slowly and silently with drooping wings, and their presence adds a sense of dread. The speaker seems to watch from a place of quiet sorrow, aware that something has been lost or harmed. By the end, the earth lies still and blind in her shadow, while the birds keep restlessly searching. The mood is ominous and mournful — a sunset that feels less like an ending and more like the aftermath of a wound that cannot be healed.
Across the Red Sky — Summary
Across the red sky two birds flying, Flying with drooping wings. Silent and solitary their ominous flight. All day the triumphant sun with yellow banners Warred and warred with the earth, and when she yielded Stabbed her heart, gathered her blood in a chalice, Spilling it over the evening sky. When the dark plumaged birds go flying, flying, Quiet lies the earth wrapt in her mournful shadow, Her sightless eyes turned to the red sky And the restlessly seeking birds.