Autumn leaves fluttered and fell like colorful snowflakes outside.

“Where had the summer gone,” I wondered and nearly cried.

Now that the leaves were gently littering the ground

I sighed knowing full well that winter must soon come.

I sat down to quietly think and reflectively contemplate

About time continuing on and how seasons of change do not hesitate.

Oh how I remember when I was so young

And winter then was so blissful and fun

The first snow would fall and I’d wake on Christmas morn

To discover gifts of love beneath the tree wrapped in lights and garland

Such memories flood of past holidays and quiet moments with family

When we all celebrated Jesus’ birth on Christmas Eve.

Then the long, colorless winters dragged ever so relentlessly on

Each day more frigid than the last, “Oh, winter, please hurry and be done.”

Fields and forests of falling and mounting snow

Accompanied by the howling wind; biting and bitterly cold

I must admit that a meadow of pristine, drifted snow untouched by man

Is a spectacular sight of frozen waves sculpted by God’s unseen hand

Wondrous too is the scene of glistening snow covering leafless trees

When barely touched by sunlight’s stretching gleam.

Sledding and building snow forts were the rage

For all of us who were still young at age

Finally, relief and hope would appear upon the horizon

As temps would climb and patches of snow began receding

Soon spring would appear, never fear, never fear

The first robin sings perhaps enchanting a family of resting deer

Warm rain showers the land clothing it in vivid lush green and

Sprinkling it with violets and daisies, while dandelions quietly creep in

Spring ushers in the steady warmth of a sultry, hazy summer

Humid days often a prelude to flashes of lightning and resounding thunder

Wide awake I’d lay in bed listening to the raging, drenching storms

Often anxious for my working dad who was yet not safely home.

The cooler summer days were a joy and a heavenly treat

The days were slower allowing for walks and restful peace

Then autumn swings its way into this gentle, settled life

Causing an unwelcomed stir with a wind of urgency and strife

No more warm evenings or long, quiet strolls along the road

                               Must now prepare for the bitter cold and the heaping snow.

But lo! Before chilling winter unceremoniously bursts through

I will first gladly enjoy autumn’s sweet fragrance and gently fading hues.