Dawn's Blaze

Dawn's Blaze, Washington, DC, January 2005, HP Photosmart R817, Exposure 1/60 sec @ f4.7, ISO 200, no flash © Steven Crisp

This is an unaltered photograph of the morning sky over Washington DC, during one of my many work trips. Look at the color, the intensity, the vibrance -- the sky is alive. Life is being created in this moment. Sleep in and you'll miss it.

I find the morning to be the best time for reflection and contemplation. And if this photo isn't inspirational enough, consider this quote from my favorite 13th century Sufi poet and mystic:

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you;
Don't go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want;
Don't go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch. The door is round and open.
Don't go back to sleep.
-- Jalaluddin Rumi