Reflections In the Half Light of an Outback Dawn

The half light of dawn in Alice Springs is made for reflection as we only partially see what looms before us. What do we fill the gap in our vision with? How do we view the future?

Just before day fully breaks in the outback there is a moment of pause. Bird calls fill the air and the oncoming heat flares. Early risers nurse their worries and hopes for the impending hours of the spring day. They determine what actions they will take, and what results they want, as they shake off the fug of night and prepare themselves.

Alice Springs as dawn breaks (Photo credit: Vicki Hutchinson)

This is the uncluttered part of the morning where one can ponder. Sometimes the half light of dawn precedes agony. Other times, it is joy and excitement that awaits us. As the dawn lightens and brings shapes and objects into focus, we see what with more clarity what is to come. Meanwhile, how do we react to what we can’t fully discern? With terror or hope? How do we approach life in the Red Centre?

Take the moments of the pre-dawn to reset. Alice Springs is waking up. Absorb the last moments of darkness. Soon, your day will bloom. Know that you are strong enough to travel well, and in the half-light, set your course and stay the path. Perhaps you will be back here in these shadowy hours tomorrow with another chance. Go well.