The Promise of Tomorrow

fourth year julia mun

photo by atithi patel

Sunset in Athens, GA.

April 22, 2021. 8:10 PM.

Nothing makes me more conscious of my space on Earth than a sunset. Whether I am walking down a crowded street, driving my car on an empty highway, or looking outside the window across my desk, everything seems to slow, defying time, as I take in the sight. 

Each one looks different, but I have been, am, and will be inundated with the same indescribable feeling every time. I can use a flood of words to try to describe it, but they all seem to fall short. But the air seems to smell a little sweeter; a taste of excitement sparks in my mouth; the warmth of the sun radiates on my own hands. 

Something about sunsets just overwhelms me in all senses and tenses. The sky bleeds red every day, just as I do, and the sun paints my skin in a wash of colors. For a moment, I seem to glow as well. And with each heartbeat, I become more convinced that I am alive on this Earth. 

So take a moment to pause tonight. Plant your feet into the ground. Breathe in slowly. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, with the promise it will come tomorrow.