"The sky broke like an egg into full sunset and the water caught fire"

Pamela Hansford Johnson's metaphorical phrase evocatively paints the intimate connection between the natural world and the intense, often indescribable emotions that can be evoked by witnessing its grandeur. Here, the sky and water are not static entities but dynamic participants in a spectacle of beauty and drama, casting their spell on the observer.

In the first half of the sentence, the sky is likened to a cracking egg, a powerful image that denotes both fragility and creation. Given that no two sunsets are alike, this symbolizes the uniqueness of the phenomenon, the sense of anticipation it elicits, and the beauty that is hatched when this daily “egg” breaks open. The sunset isn't merely descending or fading; it is bursting onto the scene, infusing the sky with radiant hues that are as vibrant and textured as those found in a freshly cracked egg yolk. The sunset literally fills the sky, akin to the egg’s contents spilling out. This metaphor speaks to the awe-inspiring power of nature and its capacity to evoke profound feelings of humility and wonder.

Simultaneously, the 'egg' analogy presents an intriguing paradox considering the element of birth. An egg typically signifies the beginning of life, while a sunset traditionally symbolizes an ending. This contrast provides a reminder of the cyclical nature of existence, the perennial dance of beginnings and endings that pervades all aspects of life, a dance in which sunset and sunrise are merely two steps.

The second part of the statement adds another layer of profound imagery. As the sunset brightens the sky, the water ‘catches fire,' turning into a spectacular mirror, reflecting and magnifying the sunset’s spectacular palette. This line underscores the unity and reciprocity of natural elements.

Thus, the language used gives a sublime demonstration of nature's power and the emotional responses it provokes. Both the sky and water are personified and active, underscoring the intense vitality of the natural world. The transition and transformation both of these elements execute during a sunset showcase the power, grace, and beauty of daily natural phenomena most take for granted. In essence, these words offer a profound reminder to appreciate nature's everyday spectacles, witnessing them with renewed awe and reverence.