Autumn whisperings

Crisp autumn mornings
Cold starry nights
trees paint the landscape
with breath-taking sights

Nature takes a  deep breath
there's a whisper on the breeze
bask in the beauty
before winter's heavy freeze

Walk in the sunshine
breathe in the air
there's nothing quite like
the fragrant autumn air.

Feeling nature's cold fingers this morning as I went about my morning brought a bittersweet feeling that washed over my spirit and reminded me to take in each sight....each quickly changing leaf.  Vermont in the fall brings to mind the smell of fallen leaves, cool air and warm sunshine.  This time of year always paints a miraculous scene in my minds eye as well as my physical view.  What beauty and inspiration nature brings us.  Sweetness comes in waves of color and the coolness of the wind, shortly followed by the bitter feel of winter's icy fingers.  I am reminded that every season is a gift and has beauty and wonder, even when a particular season is greeted with dread.  For me, winter is that harbinger of nature.  I don't like it and I don't pretend to.  I have said it a million times and will most likely say it a million more:  I love fall but hate what comes next.  I was born in the winter and one would think that would mean I would enjoy it more.  that is not the case, but what I do enjoy is the smell of autumn.  There is nothing like it for me and no words I can use to accurately describe it.  There is a crispness to it and for me it not only fills my senses but creates paintings in my mind of change.  Autumn is a time of year like no other.  Nature begins to slow her breath and heartbeat in preparation for Her long winter's slumber.  It is a time of "rearranging Her winter closet and wardrobe," just as we physically do.  The smell of woodsmoke begins to permeate the air as we begin to hunker down for what comes next, and out of the kitchen comes the smell of comfort foods like Stews and fall baking. 

Soon the smoke from the chimneys will snake across the sky and the leaves willfall to the ground, leaving the closet bare.  But for right NOW,  I will breathe in the aroma and sights surrounding me and let the colors of Earth's tapestry emblazen my soul.