What
is it that Autumn does to us? What causes us to accept, even
appreciate, weather that would be unacceptable in summer? There is
definitely a state of mind that is unique to Fall.
When I walk
on to my porch on early summer mornings, for instance, I want to feel a
warm breeze and the promise of bright sunshine. I expect a sky of blue
that is uninterrupted by clouds. Trees that are lush and green, and
grass like an emerald carpet, are anticipated all spring, then realized
in summer. A dry breeze wicks the perspiration from my skin in the
summer, and I expect shirt sleeve weather to chore in.
When
conditions aren’t this way in summer, I’m often disappointed. But when
autumn comes… well, my taste in climate seems to change with the season.
Peculiarly, what is less than pleasing weather in summer is perfect
weather in autumn. Take rain for instance.
There is no frown upon my face when the Autumn rains come. I expect the
rain to ride the leaves as they surf the wind to the ground below. I
love the wet carpet of copper, red, yellow, and brown covering the once
multi-green grass. I just grab another cup of coffee and listen happily
to the tapping on the window, as the wind forces the raindrops against
the pane. When the autumn rains come, it just takes a log on the fire to
dry the air. The pop and crackle of the fireplace along with the
pitter-patter of the rain make a comforting symphony of Autumn music.
I
am content now with skies of peek-a-boo blue, where the gray and
lavender clouds dominate from horizon to horizon. The absence of the
sun, and the cool air that results, is not a grievous but welcome thing
to me. I throw on a jacket, switch from a straw cowboy hat to wool, turn
up my collar, and bask in the chilliness. My fingers are warmed by the
cup in my hands, as I sip hot coffee and watch the effects of seasonal
change on the Chicken Ranch.
Some hold the opposite opinion, I am
aware. I have heard some say that they cannot enjoy the Fall because
they know winter is right behind it. To me that is like despising life,
because it will one day end in death. I prefer to enjoy the moment and
soak up the experience of what is the here and now. I'll deal with the
other when the times comes, and I’ll not be robbed of this particular
day just because someday a less joyful one may come along.
No,
Autumn is to be given its due. It brings fruitfulness, then rest to the
plants and trees. It brings a greater amount of moisture to a thirsty
earth. It brings relief from summer heat, and pesky insects.
Autumn brings peace to the Chicken Ranch, or at least a peaceful and accepting state of mind.
I know winter is coming. It is whispered on the viento solitario,
lonely wind. And I say let it come. After all, one thing Autumn does is break you in gently. It makes the transition from summer to winter a
most pleasant thing. At least it does for an old cowboy like me.
