The arrival of crisp days, cool evenings, clear skies, colorful leaves scattered about - all are signs of fall. My five basic senses are aroused at this time of year as I see the brilliant foliage that Nature provides, and marvel at the sight of the Heavens when the winter constellations begin to appear. The smell of a bonfire, takes me back to my childhood years, when everyone raked their leaves into a gigantic pile, dodging the chestnuts and hickory nuts as they fell from the trees and the tell tale smell of burning leaves permeated the neighborhood. Tastebuds are immediately activated with the thought of freshly baked apple pies made from scratch (or possibly from Mrs. Smith) and one can anticipate the tastes of the bounty of the harvest from local farms. Sounds of autumn are all around, as you can't avoid the high-pitched whirl of the leaf blowers, the honking of geese overhead as they make their way south, the cheers coming from the football stadiums and the howling winds as storms pop up during this period of transition in Nature. Tactile senses are stimulated as one works in the garden, cutting back clematis, honeysuckle and ivy vines,turning over the soil, covering of outdoor furniture, the chopping and gathering of wood for the fireplace and making preparations for the colder winter months that will soon arrive. Storm windows will soon replace screens, shovels will replace rakes, quilts and throws appear on beds and lists are begun as one plans for Thanksgiving gatherings. Even one's brain cells are stimulated as the logistics of traveling today require much time and effort.
In both Nature and in life, Autumn represents for me, a time of reflection, of preparation and anticipation. We look back and reminisce about times gone bye and recollect with fondness on the simplicity of our lives then, compared to the fast paced world of today. We pay tribute to all the war veterans who served our country and the sacrifices of those who gave their all. We gather together on Thanksgiving Day to give thanks for not only all the good things that have happened in the past year , but to also offer thanks for having been given the Grace to overcome hardships or personal losses. We anticipate the beauty and celebrations of the up-comping Holiday and prepare accordingly. Nature closes out the haszy, lazy day of summer with new energy. The intense heat is replaced with more invigorating temperatures and the shorter number of daylight hours prepares us for long winter days. We even look forward to the beauty and stillness of the first fresh snow fall and we anticipate seeing the glitter and twinkling lights of next month's Holidays, along with the hopes and dreams that a new year may offer.
So, Hale to Autumn and the chance to reflect, to be grateful and to eagerly await the next season of our lives.
Marty's musings do indeed lead one to reflect on life. Autumn provides a summation of the seasons. When I first heard poems about seasons, I thought someone was being imaginary because Texas did not have colorful leaves falling in Autumn or snowflakes in Winter. Then I moved to Tennesee, which has both. I am grateful that I have lived in a variety of climates. Your summation that Autumn leads to Reflection is true. Just as the Autumn of life leads me to be Grateful.
Fall >> yellow jackets and homecoming games; hayrides and pumpkins; harvest time; and cool, crisp mornings that smell vaguely of "fall". Also my favorite season!!!
Fall has always been my favorite season. Nice job with your descriptions.