Autumn Leaves

Hello All,
I am so fortunate to live in an
area, the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia,
that usually has beautiful autumn leaves.
People from all over the east coast come
on journeys to see the changing of the
season to our area. We have local
festivals and celebrations in every
little town and village.
And we each have our own personal
celebrations and rituals.
In my family, we cut wood, clean up
the garden, have weekly small bonfires,
and war a bit about how the summer didn't turn out
like what we expected while we wonder how winter will be.
I am already planning Thanksgiving and Christmas while
I kick myself in the butt because I am thinking that far ahead.
I am really yearning to buy bird seed to feed the birds
that have already come to my back deck where I feed them
when the days become cool and the nights cooler.
And I am mourning the lost summer days, the friends
and family that has passed on that I can't share this
season with, and worrying about those who may not be
with me next year.
I, also, turn my attention to my soul, and realize
how weak, bitter, and unloving I can be. There are
people who don't understand me, that love has lost
its power and I simply cry because I love them and
we are now strangers, cold friends or lost loves.
Those are my dry, dead, leaves that I must let the wind
decide where to scatter them, or I gather and burn them on
the spiritual bonfire of my soul. Sorry, don't mean
to enter a downer side, but...
A great joy is that the cool night clear the evening
and night sky. The night welcomes my wife and me
when we go out and see the autumn stars on
our deck, sipping a glass or two or three of cheer.
The stars are so bright and invite us to dream and
also...also to be in this wonderful moment and carry on.
Tell us of how autumn is in your area.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle