Autumn Years

I stood in the golden autumn sun as crimson, orange, and gold leaves drifted about me, but they didn't fall to the ground unaided. Mother Nature had been at work during the night, lowering temperatures in the low twenties. Now, though the sun burned brightly, the wind was gusting to twenty miles per hour, forcing leaves from the trees, almost against their will.

I hated to see the leaves go because it meant winter wasn't far behind. Though I delighted in the winter weather as a child, always the last one to come in out of the cold, aging had put the breaks on my winter fun. Now the winter winds chilled me to the bone, and I lived in fear of falling.

The seasons seemed to be rushing by at a breakneck speed, never slowing down, no matter how hard I wished it. I tried to enjoy this glorious autumn day, wondering how many more of them I would see. Kicking through the calico carpet at my feet, I breathed in the scent of burning leaves. Neighbors were burning their leaves, and the smoke hung in the air.

I reached up and plucked a lonely apple, still clinging to the branches of our mackintosh tree. The apple gave a pleasing crunch as I bit into the flesh, which tasted sweet, yet tart. Some apples littered the ground, a future meal for the many rabbits, who lived under the big spruce tree.

A strong gust of wind sent a chill through me, influencing my decision to head back to the house. The play yard gate was swinging back and forth. I stopped to shut it, sliding the lock into place. I stood there contemplating the many children, who had played in that yard. My own children were grown now, and their children were soon to leave childhood behind.

I stopped to sit for a minute in my “Angel Garden” thinking of the many loved ones who have passed on. Too many of those had left us young. Rising from my garden bench, I bid this autumn day goodbye.

Reviews

[Tegon Maus]

I like it Wendy... very true and telling. It's just a little cold weather for a while... a chance to be inside and write, take naps, make quilts and enjoy life at a slower pace guilt free. Come spring... just around the corner... you'll be planting flowers and watermelons and things will be totally different. You'll see !!!

[Wendy Seames Garner]

Thanks, Tegon! I don't know about planting watermelons, but tomatoes and green pepper are definitely in the planning. Afraid I won't be getting too many naps. I will probably be starting clinical trials down in Detroit, a 2 hour drive, about once a week on top of my other doctor's appointments. I dread those trips, and crazy drivers, in the ice and snow.

[Gee]

And into winter, both season and years. We become oh so reflective, nostalgic with the passing years, so much so that even the not so good times seem not at all to bad.
Enjoyed your words Wendy

[Wendy Seames Garner]

Thank you, Gee! Yes, I am in a reflective mood today.

[Gee]

My pleasure Wendy