“Light in Darkness” | Photo by Rebekah Brackett, Brackett Studios

Smoke permeated the air, billowing up and spreading its grey chaos throughout the woods. I walked through it, eyes blinking fast and short coughs pushing up my throat. I clutched my camera tight, avoiding lifted roots and hidden stumps, and stepped into the deep, cool, green forest. My perspective cleared as the sun’s rays danced upon the remains of logs and twigs and pieces of old newspaper. It was a brilliant, beautiful moment — the collision of fading day with the ghost of wood, burnt and smoking up to heaven. The trees seemed to sigh, leaning into the last light of day, embracing the sun’s warmth while the remains of their kind wafted between their tender bows. “We are here, then we are gone away,” they whispered. “All that remains is ash and dust caught up by light and air.” Solemnity filled my child heart. “And so shall I be,” I echoed.