In the grand tradition of autumn, it has been a busy season. Throughout September and October, I drafted blog entries —things I was observing and wanted to share. Yet, one thing after another, the posts went unwritten, their contents scattered like the leaves that now blanket my backyard.
I am always reminded of how quickly autumn is ushered out. In mid-October, it seems the shades of red, orange, and gold will stay with us forever. Yet in early November, that fantasy is cut short. Invariably, the days following Halloween bring a great reckoning to the landscape. The colors quickly fade, and what began as one drop or two of fallen leaves quickly becomes a great maelstrom. Almost overnight, it seems, the world is covered with leaves.
My backyard, too, is in a similar state. Only a week ago, there was a stray leaf here or there. Now, the lawn and flower beds are covered with leaves like a generous helping of snow. At this particular moment, the leaves are beautiful and bring a radiance to the ground. The 100-year-old Silver Maple has put on a particularly good display this year, giving us a rich, joyful yellow to end autumn and begin winter. They retain their golden color and bring light and reflection. A recent walk through the woods reminded me of this, too. The bronze and copper of the beech and oak trees remained lustrous.
More and more I see the sky overhead through the trees. More and more, the world is pared back to what remains, to what can remain. I feel grateful for all I was given this past spring, summer, and autumn. I look forward to what mysteries winter will bring. Welcome to the beginning of winter.