Sunset Reflections

 

      In this natural life, I do not believe that there is anything more peaceful than the setting of the sun in summer. At this time, the breeze slows to a baby’s breath, and the constant  clatter of the day quiets into the lulling  hum of cicadas and the night birds songs. The sun glow that dances in the branches of the trees is as soft as candlelight. Shadows lengthen and stretch across the landscape until they assemble together in a carpet of  gentle darkness. The world around me seems to breath a collective sigh. Quietness pervades. Peace reigns. Old Sol has done his good work, and now he rests.                                    

 Tranquility comes upon man and nature when the sunset begins. The day birds take their evening place in tree and bush, while owls, bats and other feathered darkness dwellers move to the sky to fulfill their nightly obligation. Raccoons and possums start their scavenger hunts as other creatures bed down for a needed respite. Deer move from their hiding places to feed in the increasing quietness.  It is the changing of the guard.                                                                                                                                    

 Daily activity slows or ceases, and rest comes. It is good to see and feel the relaxation at the end of another day of life. As the sun settles in the West, I am settled with it. Soon “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep”, as the Good Book says. This orange glowing orb of life will return, and a new day will dawn upon the Earth with promise. New life begins.   But, for now,  I am quite content to bathe in the serenity of the soft encompassing light.

 I love watching the sun as it lowers and fades ever deeper on the horizon... and carries with it the heavy burdens of the day.