Before the Sun

The rays of sunlight begin peaking over the eastern horizon, casting shadows across the highway on a still summer morning. Off to his left he can see the dew and low lying fog in the pastures between the hills. He’s tried to capture those moments on camera, but they’re best experienced first hand. Even though he’s done this same drive thousands of times, watching the sun begin to rise over south Texas still brings a smile to his face. The rest of the world moves past at 75 miles per hour, but he’s watching in slow motion. Enjoying the moment. Watching the world wake up.

It’s been a long time since he made this early morning drive. Feels good to be back on the road again, even if it’s only for a day. Something about South Texas has always called to him. Even though it’s hotter than hell, it feels like home. He knows the people and places and some of the stories about them because he’s spent a lifetime on these roads, in these towns, listening to these stories. Reflecting back on the past few years happens naturally in these still moments of peace. The further back he reminisces, the faster the memories fly by. He looks out his left window and sees the sun over the horizon, and it’s time to start the day.