With the onset of light that begins to soften and, in turn, the darkness of the dimming sky, a fox sneaks through the environment, navigating by means of the light. Caught within the realm of neither day nor night, all of the quiet beauty of silence and darkness teeters on the edge. The movement of the fox is cautious, yet with purpose; his instinct guides him through awareness.
This is a scene with everything centered on the fading light. The shadows stretch and colors lose their sharpness. But for the fox, this area would be very familiar terrain. This would be a realm in which sensitivity to sound, smell, and motion would suddenly mean much more than to sight. The fox would take no rash actions but would learn to interpret according to changing conditions.
In pursuing the light, there is a deep symbolism to be found in following light which is fading away. The fox, which is already inside this space, represents a balance and not a struggle. Other animals will begin withdrawing from the start of the night itself, while the fox will move even deeper, and instead of resisting the transformation, the fox will undergo the same.
The world in which the fox exists is one that is obviously in a state of freeze, as if it is waiting and holds its breath. Armored trees turn into silhouettes, while the earth below him turns cool. Each step the fox takes appears deliberate. The fur of the fox captures the final radiance it receives from the sky, which glows briefly before merging into the background environment as dusk.
Except for its pictorial component, there exists emotion generated by this image. The lone fox is not lonely. The fox finds it better to be alone rather than have nothing occur in its reality. This loneliness is chosen and not a response to a certain situation. In tracking the light, the fox serves as an example of resilience in the quiet, in motion not knowing the destination, but aware.
“Like Every Man” the journey of the fox is something that many people experience in their lives. There are phases in people’s lives whereby clarity of the mind is lost, and certainty is replaced with the need for intuitive guidance. As the fox does, people are asked to walk in the dark path where the light is not that bright.
Stillness is also an integral part here. Nothing much is happening in terms of action or change. The movement of the fox is subtle, measured, and calm. It is also holding back. It is allowing space to breathe. It is also an example that meaning isn’t necessary through doing something drastic.
As night progresses and continues to deepen, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern the fox from the environment. The fox does not suddenly become less visible but slowly merges into the land environment. This subtle blending into the environment underscores the fact that the fox is a part of the space that is not quite seen.
“A Fox Follows the Fading Light” is an example of the moment of understanding and not of resolution. This piece is all about acceptance, adaptability, and trusting one’s instincts. All this is related to change, and more so, change that is not feared and change which is thrust upon one.
In its peaceful presence, the fox encourages us to remember that not all roads demand total clarity. Sometimes, it is sufficient simply to move slowly forward into what comes next.
