That afternoon, the sun stood high overhead, reflecting harsh light onto the wet surface of the rice paddy. The stagnant water was no longer clear, but murky, mixed with soil and the remains of cut rice stalks. In the middle of the puddle, a shadow stood still, as if bearing witness to the long journey of the past planting season.
That shadow was me. There was no face, no color, just a dark silhouette that blended with the soil. But therein lay an unspoken story. Every step I had taken before, every bit of mud that clung to my feet, was all represented in that simple shadow.
This rice paddy isn't just a place to plant rice. It's a place to learn about patience, about waiting, and about accepting the results as they come. From the initial plowing, to planting, to protecting the plants from pests, everything takes time and perseverance. Nothing is instant here; everything is a process.
Seeing my own shadow in the mud made me think that life is like this too. Sometimes we feel dirty, tired, and insignificant. But in reality, we are undergoing an important process, even if the results aren't immediately visible.
The wind moved gently, making the water ripple slightly. The shadow swayed with it, as if alive and breathing. I smiled slightly, realizing that beneath this simplicity, there was a serenity that couldn't be bought.
The day might pass, the mud would dry, and the seasons would change. But the memory of this shadow in the middle of the rice field will remain, reminding me that every effort, no matter how small, always has meaning.
| Photographer | Smartphone used | Location |
|---|---|---|
 @gunting | Realme C53 | Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam |
@gunting