Autumn Sunset

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”

Rabindranath Tagore

“Brilliant” is the adjective I use to describe an Autumn Sunset. Flaming amber, orange, and crimson streaks fill the sky as the sun sinks toward the horizon. The vibrant colors are more pronounced as the deepening darkness moves in, dissolving the edges into a smokey frame. Although a crisp chill fills the air, the image warms my heart.

Autumn brings a quiet yearning for home. Wooly blankets draped over legs and the crackle of a blazing wood fire are reminders of the changing season. A simmering pot of soup on the stove wafting rich aromas through the house.

As children, my friends and I would play outside until the sun began to set. Suddenly, an invisible calling would have us look up and immediately announce, “It’s time to go home.” Scurrying away with barely a good-bye, we would not stop until the door closed behind us.

Sitting on the deck at sunset, I watch the deer, squirrels and birds bustling about preparing for nightfall. In the dim light, I can make out a few remaining leaves waiting to fall from the trees. Soon, a black ink sky and a few early stars are all that remain overhead.

Awe and wonder mix suddenly with despair for the earth and all our relations. There is a familiarity in these shifts of emotion. Reminding myself to be present in this single moment is calming. Re-remembering my oneness with all of life brings a feeling of unity. Inhaling deeply helps to set the balance back to midline and I am grateful to find a way to somehow hold this daily conflict.

From somewhere, hope snuggles in to soften this longing I feel to belong. A thankfulness for the possibility of renewal each day and the certainty of a new sunrise and sunset tomorrow brings a measure of peace.