SWIFTLY FLOW THE DAYS – RICH PASCHALL

By Rich Paschall on 09/04/2020 • ( 7 )

Sunrise, Sunset by Rich Paschall

If you have stopped by SERENDIPITY even just occasionally, you will have noticed a wealth of sunrise and sunset pictures. Marilyn and Garry Armstrong have captured countless images for us and often share some spectacular photo displays. I have even swiped a few over the years to illustrate certain stories and articles. I am about to do it again.

Ogunquit, Maine

You see? When no one was looking, I snuck into the library, borrowed some pictures, and did not tell the librarian. There are so many and I only wanted a few. Do you think they will notice? Perhaps. They have spotted my thievery before. But why should I upload new ones when theirs are so much better?

Rockport, Massachusetts at sunrise

One thing is clear to me after so many years of gazing at the sky. I never get tired of the sunrise and the sunset. No two are alike and many are just spectacular creations of light and color.

Sunrise over the hills, Peacham, Vermont

Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze.

When you get older, you will realize one day that the number of sunrises left for you to see are fewer than the ones you’ve already seen. You understand that missing so many was unfortunate. You should take whatever chances you have to see more of them. In the universe, there may be an endless number, but in our own lives, the number is finite, but unknown.

Sunset in Douglas

Since I am not really a morning person, I am more likely to catch the sunset than the sunrise. I never got tired of walking out of the cargo building at O’Hare to see the sunset over the field. Sometimes a plane would oblige me and take off into the sun. Now we do not go there so I am glad I caught so many last year. I should make a plan to catch more from the nearby park.

Sunset at Block Island

Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

When Marilyn recently posted a gallery of sunset pictures taken by Garry and herself, I thought of a touching scene from Fiddler on the Roof. Late in the first act, Tevye and Golde reflect on the swiftly passing years as they observe the wedding of their oldest child. If you don’t know the song from the award-winning musical, we are happy to share it before another sunset goes by.