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[Extreme Photography] Lone Sword in the Morning GlowAuthor: JEFFI CHAO HUI WU Time: 2025-08-04 Monday, 3:56 PM ········································ [Extreme Photography] Lone Sword in the Morning Glow At six thirty in the morning, the sky is not fully bright. I have been practicing my boxing and sword for an hour, standing alone on the eastern shore of Ramsgate beach, the sea breeze slightly salty, so quiet that I can almost hear the breath of the waves. Behind me, the world is asleep, with only me and this dawn gazing at each other. The eastern sky is faintly red, the clouds are rolling, as if someone gently pulls aside the veil of night, dipping a finger into a drop of vermilion, igniting a spark. That is not the sunrise, but the heartbeat of the sky, the first bloom of emotion unfolding on the earth before dawn. The colorful clouds fill the sky as I slowly assume my stance once more. My left foot lands steadily, my right hand holds the sword level, the tip of the sword quivers lightly. This is not sword practice; it is a conversation. The heavens serve as the altar, the sea as the seat, the sword is my language, and the morning glow is my response. A ray of sunlight, slanting through the clouds, gently glides across the edge of my sword. There is no heat, no weight, just a touch from the horizon, like a whisper from the divine, and also like a soft call from fate. A few bird calls came from the distant woods, as if they were also coming from the other side of the sea. The tones were clear, neither startling nor disturbing, like a gentle knock in the silence, awakening a long-lost rhythm of breath within me. It was not sound, but the pulse of time, the dawn speaking through sound. Three thousand colorful clouds spread across the sky, like waterfalls and rosy clouds, like fire and dreams. Each strand carries movement and emotion, as if the heart's intent of heaven and earth is pouring forth, needing no words, only colors and layers to convey grandeur and tenderness. They are not a backdrop; they are the audience while I practice my swordsmanship, the harmony of celestial phenomena, the ideal city in my heart that has never collapsed. All kinds of tenderness are hidden between light and shadow. The sea breeze caresses my face, the beach supports my feet, and the light behind me gives rise to warm wings. I do not bow my head, yet heaven and earth are willing to bend down and listen. I raise my sword, with the morning glow coloring me; with each move and stance, it feels as if I am sealing the tenderness of the world into my sword. I have no shouts, no background music, no applause, only the wind, only the light, only the sword. Every move, every step, every breath is a confession. Not to the world, but to myself: I am still on the road, I am still that person who holds the solitary sword and refuses to bow my head. A ray of sunlight, a few birdsong, three thousand colorful clouds, and countless tender feelings all merge into this sword. It turns out that a sword is not just a cold weapon; it can also possess emotion. It is not a sharp tool to pierce the opponent, but rather a beam of light that pierces the darkness in my heart. I know that my figure is insignificant in this glow of dawn. Yet I still stand with the sword, regardless of how the world behind me boils, my heart remains unmoved like a mountain. Because at this moment, I am not a person of the mundane world; I am an extension of the sword, a projection of the morning glow, the most resolute solitude between heaven and earth. As the light grows stronger, the entire sky burns like a fierce fire scorching the clouds. My silhouette is infinitely elongated, as if walking from ancient times and heading towards eternity. The movements remain like Tai Chi, slow and fluid, yet hiding strength, concealing a determination that never needs explanation. I do not perform for show, nor for records, nor for anyone's approval. Not for fame, not for profit, only for that uncompromising light within my heart. Someone once said: lonely people are often the most free. I can't quite say whether this counts as freedom, but I know that at this moment, the world has receded to the background, the dawn wraps me in red, the sea of clouds composes for me, a sword breaks through the void, and all sounds return to silence. I have repeated the moves by this seaside thousands of times, but never has there been a moment as genuine as today: sword in hand, light in heart, the universe as witness, alone yet not lonely. In the distance, the roar of an airplane slicing through the clouds can be heard, like a reminder from reality, yet also a form of encouragement. And I, just softly said in my heart: I am here, I have always been! In this life, at this moment, I will not fail the sword, nor the morning glow. This sword has accompanied me through countless dawns under the dimming night, on stormy beaches, and in the biting winds of highlands. It is not a weapon; it is a bone in my body, the most uncompromising part of my soul. And this ray of rosy light is neither decoration nor spectacle. It is a kind of grace, the gentlest yet most solemn gaze bestowed upon mortals by the heavens. When it falls upon my shoulders, it is not glory, but a reminder. A reminder that what I practice is not just the sword, but the heart, the way, and the will to stand firm even after traversing solitude. Some are in dreams, some are in cars, some are making decisions in conference rooms. And I am by the sea, alone, sword in hand, light on the horizon. Everything is awake, and I have already set out. After finishing the last move, I smoothly brought the sword back to my front, cupped my fists in salute, not to take a bow, but to thank the heavens. Thanking this morning glow that no longer leaves me wandering. Thanking this solitary sword that is still willing to accompany me. When the wind rises, I know that this day will begin again. And I, once more, return to the human world, back to the hustle and bustle, but in my heart, I have already etched the stunning brilliance of today’s lingering glow. Source: http://www.australianwinner.com/AuWinner/viewtopic.php?t=697118 |
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