Hiker Attends Sunrise Mass

Sunrise at Grand Canyon is different from sunset. At both ends of the day people gather together: sunset is party time; sunrise is different altogether. At sunrise people are quiet, respectful, even reverent as they watch the stately progress of the Canyon’s awakening, and they contemplate the two billion years of Creation spreading out at their feet. The hiker was there when I arrived, and he stayed a long time. I could almost hear his prayer. It was the same as mine. He was gone before I finished this painting, but he belongs in the scene.