Contemplating Sunsets

Carol A. Hand

Photos of a fascinating sunset this spring
made me wonder how many sunsets I’ve missed
during the 26,374 days I have lived

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I don’t remember how many times
I failed to notice which direction was west
in the scores of places I’ve temporarily called home

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The busyness of striving and surviving
as we travel down winding paths
sometimes keeps us too preoccupied to notice

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Our vision clouded by so many things
that we believe are more important
than the ever-present beauty around us

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Even ordinary scenes become extraordinary
when seen through the lenses of presence
surrounded by those whom we love

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Perhaps noticing is especially important
when the clouds roll in promising another chilly rainy night
after the longest coldest winter I remember

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At a time when the world already feels so dark
I am grateful for the chance to witness and remember
the beacon of momentary but ever-returning light

Note:

These are not the best of photos. They were taken in poor light with an iphone through dusty windows in a moving vehicle. 🙂 Nonetheless, I’m sharing them in hopes they will remind others to find moments to appreciate the beauty and wonder of seemingly ordinary places.