Night at the Cottonwood Tanks
© 2019 RGallucci Photography

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About halfway through Las Ciegnas Grasslands in the southern Arizona high desert, there is a small turn hidden by an ancient cottonwood that leads into a desolate cul-de-sac. At the end of the road is a giant cement cistern known as a tank, that feeds a man-made pond created by environmental stewards to protect the endangered Leopard Frog. Recent rains had nurtured the native wildflowers that rim the ink-black pool creating a golden yellow crown whose reflection glimmered in the moonless night.

Ancient cottonwoods surrounded us in stoic reflect as we stood at the foot of the pond getting ready to capture the late-season Milky Way. Readying our gear, we could affirm that the conservationist's work was a success. The unmistakable rumble of the frogs call, reminiscent of a leopards growl, broke the nights cool calm in a raucous serenade. Outside of the frogs, not a sound was heard. Even the giant trees leaves didn't rustle in the night.

Here, like a ladder of hope to the eternal grace of everlasting salvation, the trail of angels ascended almost straight up from the dark waters abysmal depths. The view was unusually compelling, an exclamation point to end this season's Milky Way season. There may be a few more nights to capture heavens stairway, but they will be short and, I think, not nearly as poetic as this night's journey.

My images pay homage and testament to a grace freely given but too often not reflected in my daily life. In my walk, I am a scarred survivor of a life of poor choices. In my photos, I am a poet, artist, and scribe that offers the world a glimpse of the beauty of His creation. I can never pay back the gift of salvation freely given, but perhaps in some way, I can pay it forward.

In gratitude.

Night at Cottonwood Tanks
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shot date: September 30, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
30.0 sec at f/2.8 Bias:0 EV
Lens: 15mm
ISO: 6400