click to enlarge

It is the break of dawn here in Monument valley. The night gods are fading deep back into the stone where they are safe and the day gods are riding in with their white-hot spears of light. As the invaders they will stick their spear tips into every crevice that harbors the slightest darkness and resume full control of this magnificent valley so there is no place left un-illuminated. Even those spots that appear to have shadows will have light reflected into them so that the darkness is not complete. There is always a brief struggle when the sun first presents itself to bring the new day. The constant battle between light and dark is played out every morning with only one outcome in this eternal conflict.

The darkness is always reluctant to return to its daily slumber, but the sun is relentless. It favors the light and has no sympathy for the desire of darkness to remain a little while longer. To show it will stand no challenge to its supremacy as soon as it sends it first warriors over the horizon, their spears of light brilliant against the darkness, it unleashes all of its army and there is no doubt that day has come. Victory is always complete and total, but however grand it is it only lasts for one turning of the Earth. Then night will begin its slow seduction and day will succumb and fade again into the darkness. This struggle is relentless with neither side gaining the upper hand. Balance and constancy are preserved.

Fortunately for us this cosmic battle enriches our lives and we are willing participants benefiting from the victory of either side equally. The ebb and flow of nature marks our passage along this journey and we barely notice it for the most part, except perhaps when there is a blazing sunset or spectacular dawn. We support both sides equally and find constant satisfaction in its outcome.