Dawn Light on Yukon Buddhist Temple Courtyard

Early spring thaw softens the ground around a stone shrine entrance in the Yukon, where a monk sweeps the courtyard at first light. Low sun strikes the horizon haze, casting long, pale shadows across the wet gravel. Sea spray hangs in the air, clinging to the dark wood of the temple gates and the mossy stones. The sweep leaves faint, rhythmic lines in the damp earth, against the rough texture of the surrounding granite. Frost lingers in the corners of the steps, melting into small puddles that reflect the gray sky. One wooden broom rests against the threshold, its bristles still damp with morning moisture.