Summer Leaves

   There is a tickle in the air and there is a special message that is spelled out as the multicolored leaves tumble to the not so colorful ground. The memo that is left is something that I really dread. I have read this story many times before and the plot always starts out great but it does not take long to dissipate.

   The vibrant colors seem to be splashed everywhere, and the scent of the leaves in the chilled air make you feel alive! Oh, but this does not last long. The colors that were once dancing on the ground now have turned into mucky brown. The air that seemed to bring the essence of a new day now seems to have lost its way.

   All the trees seem to be standing in disbelief and wondering why they had to lose even one leaf. Their hands outstretched with nothing more to give and all they can do is to stand there naked in a confused state. A few remaining nuts plummet to the ground and look like the last tear drops before they hit the ground. The nests that were camouflaged by leaves are now exposed and seem to be dangling as though they were ornaments on a christmas tree. 

   Why does Nature strip the foliage from many trees while others remain fully dressed? It’s not something we can fight, but somehow Nature will make it right. 

   It doesn’t take long to forget what Nature has done, and we look forward to the day when the trees finally transform. The wait seems forever but the reward is great. We are awarded Nature’s greatest gift: the rebirth of what we thought was lost.