So what’s your muse — what subject do you turn to frequently, more inspired each time?

Sunsets.

My adoration for sunsets likely comes as no surprise to you, my dear reader, for my blog is titled Cocoa Evenings. Since evenings only come around when the sun sets, I have dedicated this blog to sunsets as much as I have to evenings.

Sunsets inspire me because they signify the completion of a hard day’s work, and I use it to reflect, to take stock, to take heart in the blessings I had received throughout the day. Sunsets inspire me to show gratitude and appreciation towards what had happened, what is, and what will be. Sunsets motivate me to continue the next day better as they softly warm my skin and bathe my walls in a vermillion glow. Sunsets inspire me to continue life with zest as the setting sun always returns though it never lasts. Indeed, “夕阳无限好，只是近黄昏。” Translated: “Sunsets are endlessly beautiful but just too close to nightfall.”

Each sunset inspires me more because each one is different, and will teach me something different, depending on my circumstances then. The sunset by the Parliament House (featured image) has inspired me the most so far. It was also the longest of all the sunsets I have captured, and it was long in every sense of the word “long”.

***

Pause. My eyes search the four pale cream walls of my room. My heart pumps a little faster. My one fist clenches. My lips are press against each other. My tear ducts trembles with sensations as my mind scrambles to piece together a coherent and cohesive text that will accurately represent the significance of this memory.

***

I queued 5 hours and captured this sunset 4 hours into queuing.

I walked from City Hall MRT Station (train/subway) to Parliament House.

I  had the longest conversation regarding Mr Lee.

I had spent six days and night in a state of depression before I saw this sunset.

I asked a friend why I felt that way and did all that, and he replied,

It is because you have never known life without him.

I bowed three times. Goodbye, Mr Lee. One last time.

***

How does this sunset inspires me?

I now live with a renewed sense of the idea, “we must ourselves defend our nation”, for indeed, if I do not, who would? The hard truth? Death spares no one; even a Founding Father must leave.

I know you will feel me deeply and find meaning if you had yourself experienced the departure of someone whom you had never lived without until the departure.

I have come this far, and will go further.

I celebrate Singapore’s golden jubilee #SG50 years of independence with loving memory of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away on 23 March 2015.

Yes! I love sunsets, insofar, you could call it my comfort or my drug. I will show you more!

Thus far, I hope that you have enjoyed the sunsets that took my breaths away.

Comment if you want to find out more about the story behind any of them! Let me share in your memories too. What is your most memorable sunset?

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Muse.”