the rustling has faded away. i hear the birds clearly; rustling leaves; my feet on the earth as i turn slowly. my shadow is covered by the long shadow of the tree. i walk to the end of its shadow and with each step i become more aware of my body. just before the end of the shadow, i pause. the back of my neck becomes warmer. as i turn around, i see the sun slowly rising through the leaves towards the orange sky. i should never forget that moment. the moment when the sun touches the hem of the crown of leaves and infinite rays of sunlight drench the meadow and me in light. the light of a new morning. watercolor