Autumn and the Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon arrives for its annual visit, its suitcase packed with paintbrushes of vibrant colors for the falling leaves, stubbornly illuminating the blackened sky for farmers to reap their bounty, it brings a night chill that stiffens bones, lays a thin blanket of ice atop ponds, and forces squawks from geese as they eagerly retreat to warmer southern climes.

Where has spring and summer gone? Seems like only yesterday when the emergence of that glowing sun struggled to melt the winter’s snowfall and breathe new life into all creatures and plants. Tilling the soil for a garden seemed to take forever and the weather never cooperated. It’s a wonder anything sprouted, let alone thrived.  And now it’s time to unpack the sweaters, heavy coats, and warm boots. Don’t forget the shovel, mitts, and toques. Ugh!

Packing away the t-shirts, shorts and suntan lotion, a reminiscent smile broadens across the face, remembering the crackling bonfire roasting marshmallows during that long weekend camping trip; recalling sitting on the patio of that café wearing dark sunglasses, sipping on a cold beverage while people watching and forming quiet opinions on their interactions with each other; and questioning the purchase of that flimsy trinket during the window shopping spree while on vacation. Good times!

Maybe there was warmer weather this year after all. It sure was a short season though.

Autumn serves as a transition period. It is a time for reflection and it is a time for preparation. Perhaps that is why Thanksgiving is celebrated in the fall. It allocates the opportunity to be thankful for the important things in life such as family, friends, and health. And it compels the necessity to insulate against the coming harshness and to stockpile against the dwindling availability of provisions.

Splashing acrylics of hue on dancing leaves, gently tugging them from their waving limbs and easing them earthward on a thick layer of ice fog and heady air, the autumn daylight unveils a hidden masterpiece created by a nocturnal Harvest Moon. Quickly covering pathways that recently guided followers, the mounting piles of psychedelic petals provide nature’s canvas for a lunar muse.  Stepping through its carpeted cushion, occasionally kicking up its fibers ranks high as one of life’s greatest memorable experiences. Rolling in them amid maniacal laughter runs a close second.

That big, bright Harvest Moon runs a fool’s errand as it attempts to lengthen the rapidly shortening days, yet it is impossible not to appreciate its enterprising endeavor. Darkness outside brings darkness inside.

originally published 2010