Why I’m Grateful for Shadows

September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Shadows”

“This is my shade; back off!”

It’s easy to think of shadows as something ominous — dark and mysterious, where dangers lurk. However, especially as the world around us continues to warm, with temperatures soaring higher than ever before, I like to associate a shadow with shade, a resistance and barrier to the relentlessness of the sun’s burning rays above us.

When the heat becomes too much to bear, but you see a large tree ahead, casting its shadow on a small patch of the pathway you’re walking, reaching that point offers a much-needed moment of release. Thank you Mr. Tree! What a hero! I’ve experienced several occasions where the shadows of large objects have come to my rescue in this way, and I make sure to take advantage every time.

It seems this dog on this beach had the right idea all along…