The Awakening Dawn

© 2003

 “…The storm front finally began to sweep in from the coast, threatening to cover the black star-filled night.  Several hours standing out under crystal clear skies yielded no aurora at all.  Almost ready to give up the nightlong pursuit, I began packing up my gear to leave the field.  But, just before the clouds blanket the sky completely, soft light begins to fill the northeastern horizon beyond the Chugach Mountains, growing ever brighter by the minute.  As if on queue, the moon and a stunning aurora rose in unison, illuminating the entire scene, doubling its rare beauty across the glassy river.  The stars of the constellations Pleiades & Hyades shine brightly as they skirt the edge of the clouds. Like the awakening dawn, the river delta glows with magical light…”