Signs of Autumn

Starting in early September, the wonderful world of New England starts to undergo a few changes. At first, the temperature will drop a bit, and the air will become crisper. Leaves begin to turn, the ground dries out, and birds go quieter. As September becomes November, V-formations of Canadian Geese can be seen overhead as they begin their long journey in search of warmer homes for the upcoming cold months. The first frost, seeing one's breath outside, and the splitting and stacking of firewood are sure signs that fall is in full swing. But Nature's great announcement that Fall has finally arrived can be found in the trees. Out on a brisk walk, wearing a bright orange hat to allay the perils of hunting season, the true New Englander will find himself in a meadow. Looking up, his breath will catch as he sees the explosion of red, yellow, and orange hues with which nature's brush strokes have canvassed the trees. From the audacious maple to the elderly oak;  white birches alight with yellow tops, foiled by the fires of the hickory and dogwood. For a few short weeks, the world is ablaze. But just as quickly, the fires are put out, and standing in their place are the brown, crinkled ashes that hang on for dear life until a stiff breeze drops them from their perch to the cold, hard ground. From there, they are raked into neat piles, only to be spread again by the frivolity of young children playing in the backyard. They blend into the ground, sad remembrances of their former glory, forgotten only by the blessed, merciful blanketing of the first snow.

-Freeport Francis