An Epiphany

A moment of clarity dawns
when realizing autumn
is the most rewarding
time of my life.

Sure, spring was wonderful
in its newness.
A tender seedling needs extra
nourishment to fortify
growth and learning.
Experiencing those first rains,
finding shelter under boughs
of family and friends,
and joyously reveling
in the sun’s return.

Summer held other charms
and unique flavors
as life turned up the heat.
Love blossomed
like a field of daisies.
Responsibilities
added fodder to the field,
wilting cultivated flowers
in disappointment.
Stems broke and withered
under onslaught of natural,
and un-natural disasters.

But now as autumn
touches my leaves,
I notice the changes
in my landscape.
No longer a timid flower,
fertile soil held my roots.

I’ve managed to weather
the storms, and have grown
into a massive bush.
My limbs grew stronger
year by year,
and instead of snapping off
I bend and sway
to the forces of the wind.

How my leaves rustle
a mellow hue, tinted
with robust signatures.
They will fall, dropping
one to next as certain
as the shift of tides
or phases of the moon,
and I welcome it.

Winter lies dormant within
a few decades of mulch.
Those experiences
are yet to come.
But for now, I’ll bask
in these cooler days,
reveling in the knowledge
and comfort
afforded to autumn.

And all these thoughts
came to mind, while driving
down a country lane
taking in autumn’s
magnificent display.

By maintaining a calmer speed
I’ll avoid the many ruts found,
when the pavement ends.

© Sandi Alford 2006