Autumn

The light changes and the air feels gentle on my face. I can breathe again and there’s color to see again. The nights are quiet now and on the last night hot enough to sleep with the window open, I listen to the last crickets of the year. Autumn begins.

Walks are better; up the hill behind grandparents’ house, along the edge of dried corn fields. I hear crisp steps as their dog follows me and sniffs around for hidden treats. The sound of axes falling down on chopped for winter wood echoes above the village roofs. The rhythm matches my steps or I match my steps, anticipating each stroke. I smell smoke drifting on the wind and wet dirt all around me.

Sometimes there’s rain beating on sidewalks, on rusty leaves, umbrellas and raincoats. Waterproof boots come out to play in shiny puddles and tea time is all the time. When the clouds are spent winds carry them away. The sun puts on a light show for every sunset, coating the sky in autumn orange and pink on wispy clouds. Remember to leave the office early to get a good seat.

Roasted chestnuts, ripe pears and baked apples with melted sugar are in season. I get to wear sweaters, hoodies, thick socks and scarves. Everything feels heavy in a grounding way and the world turns back to reality. It’s cold and wet and sometimes inconvenient, but there’s so much of autumn to love and enjoy.