The light of the new day in David, Panama.
Morning is my favourite time of day. For me it is a time of anticipation, new beginnings and maximum energy. In recent years I have been privileged to start my day in a variety of beautiful places. Coming from Panama to Vancouver Island in early February this year I have enjoyed the contrast in vegetation and bird sounds.
Sunrise in Victoria, British Columbia.
Dawn breaks at Chapala, Panama.
Last February I was in New Zealand with yet again different morning sights and sounds.
Morning view in Wellington, New Zealand.
In some locations I have had a dog to care for and have enjoyed an early morning walk with my canine companion. When looking after a cat my morning walks have been solitary.
Scenery in Toowoomba, Queensland on a morning dog walk.
Feline friend welcomes the day in Panama City.
Morning frequently brings to mind the lovely poem I learned at summer camp in my youth, Salutation to the dawn. It is attributed to Kalidasa, a Sanskrit poet and dramatist believed to have lived during the 4th-5th century CE. There are various translations out there but this is the one I remember.
Salutation to the dawn
Look to this day.
For it is life, the very life of life,
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities
of your existence:
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendor of beauty.
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision;
But today well-lived, makes
Every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore to this day.
Such is the salutation to the dawn.
Autumn morning at Sylvan Lake, Alberta.
Morning walk in Oldman River Valley, Lethbridge, Alberta.