The forests in the southern Appalachians are responding to recent dry days. Although only a hint of color appears in the woods, I can smell change in the air. It makes me think of a song I wrote when I lived in North Idaho many years ago:
The woods have turned a dusty green,
the summer’s getting old
But a new season’s arriving soon
that will turn the world to gold.
Birch and larch are still dark green,
quaking aspen’s already gold.
Squirrels stash their winter’s food,
ready for coming cold.
The short’ning days are crisp and clear,
but the nights are turning cool.
If I didn’t love the autumn wind,
I’d surely be a fool.
Little bucks are sprouting nubs,
Smooth sumac has all turned red.
Gotta get my firewood in
and my garden put to bed.
Some call the Indian Summer,
coming behind the autumn rain,
the finest season of the year.
I’m ready for fall again.
—Samuels, Idaho, ©September 1979
I am, indeed, ready for fall, ready for a change—in more than just the weather. I am weary of chaos. I’m tired of incessantly rising prices. I am exhausted by news reports of hate and vitriol.
It is no longer sufficient to simply complain about the way things are going. What do we want? How do we get there? It’s time to articulate a way forward, and then work to make it happen.
Bring on autumn!
#changeisintheair #bringonfall #movingforward
Photo by S. G. Benson, “Almost Autumn—Geese at Riverview, Nebraska” ©September 2012
Add comment
Comments