Salutation to the Day
Welcome to this day. The dawn is tossing the first rays of sunshine, sprinkling warm water on our faces to gently wake us up and wish us a good morning. The sunlight is stoic - showering itself on everyone equally - an egalitarian sun bath. It blesses us with a warm hug and beckons us to rise and seize the day.
The day itself seems pregnant with promise. It holds so many possibilities. Infinite worlds coexist at the same time. Many futures crowding the present and jostling among themselves to see which one gets ahead and becomes a reality. The day is an amazing blank slate on which we get to write what we want. A slate that doesn't have a record of yesterday nor a worry of tomorrow.
The day works hard, pushing the sun ever higher in the sky. Blowing gusts as it heaves a sigh of relief on reaching the peak at noon. It toils, perhaps, to show us what hard work can achieve - how it doesn't all go to waste. It teaches by doing, encouraging us with its valiant efforts. It prods us on to make the most of today.
It slumbers in the afternoon, resting its tired body in a power nap. Highlighting how we need to be kind to ourselves and give ourselves time and space to heal. It gets ready for another sprint as it starts gliding downwards towards the evening. This part is easier on the day but a lot faster. It gathers speed and seems to be enjoying the action-packed ride. It shows us how it is possible to enjoy life even when things are going downhill. The day doesn't care that it is speeding up and headed straight for the night. A violent crash is imminent, but that does not deflate the day. Instead, it inspires the birds to start singing as evening approaches; their mellifluous sounds sweetened by the warmth of the setting sun. A beautiful soundtrack to this action-packed movie scene as the day celebrates the many achievements and bids us to join in its revelry.
The inevitable impending darkness is now upon us, and the day coughs blood as it nears the end. And it paints the sky in bloody hues. A painting so beautiful it can make your heart stop. Pain writ large on the sky, yet the day still has a smile on its face. And even in its dying moments, it continues to teach us. It shows us that everything is beautiful - that even death can be beautiful. For death beckons life. It is what gives it meaning - it gives life to life.
The moon arrives to hold the day's hand in the final moments. It weeps moonlight tears as it bids farewell to a friend. And with quivering hands, it wipes the slate clean, surfacing the soothing darkness of night so we can write afresh the story of tomorrow.
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Hat tip to “Salutation to the Dawn” by Kalidasa