There is a duality of mood that accompanies the coming and going of the sun. Commonly associated with human perceptions of positivity - including hope, happiness, even glory - the changing face of the star also reflects aspects of human experience which are regarded in a less than mirthful way. 

Both optimistic and pessimistic expressions are present when day meets night. There is a metaphorical struggle before the sun wins out, showcased in the peeking of the sun  above the planet’s horizon while the shadow of murkiness shrinks away. The sun reigns.

At day’s end, it is darkness’ endeavor to overtake the light, seizing its turn to triumph, often with a dazzling chromatic display. In the process, the sun eventually sinks into the earth. From it’s invisible position, it continues to send visible radiation into the atmosphere, often enhancing the environment with a vibrant and colorful light. Then, it fades to black. 

Commonly thought to be the harbinger of death, one could take a bleak view of the sunset, no matter how beautiful. One redeeming thought, however, is that it heralds the coming of the sunrise. Never in our history has the sunrise not followed the sunset, and so one has something to look forward to.  Lyrically written by Maya Angelou, “No sun outlasts its sunset but will rise again and bring the dawn.”

Even more promising is an observation a friend made: one’s sunset is, on the other side of the world, another one’s sunrise - a cyclical and constant motion. In a way, then, the sun is always rising.