Morning glory: the sun rises over Auckland

Sunrise, sunup, dawn, daybreak, cockcrow, first light, the crack of dawn, aurora, the dawning … as usual, the English language uses several different words and phrases to describe that time when the dark of night is replaced by the light of the day.

Whatever you prefer to label it, this is my favourite time of each and every day. It is a time of fresh promise and potential, a time of renewal and hope, a time of beautiful light.

Over the last couple of months, as I’ve been preparing to leave New Zealand for a new start in another country, I’ve been photographing the sunrise from the balcony of my 9th-floor apartment in central Auckland. Here are some of those images.

‘What breaks in daybreak? Is it the night? Is it the sun, cracked in two by the horizon like an egg, spilling out light?’ ~ Margaret Atwood

‘Morning glory is the best name, it always refreshes me to see it.’ ~ Henry David Thoreau

‘And even the sun / in dawn chorus sings, / a celestial melody to the earth / below.’ ~ Tjaden

‘When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.’ ~ Marcus Aurelius

‘The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.’ ~ Rumi

‘There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them.’ ~ Jo Walton

‘It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.’ ~ Aristotle

‘Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.’ ~ Victor Hugo, Les Misérables