Harbingers
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The discovery of a purring shawl of sable shadowing each turn of slumber gives the first indication of change from the seeming endless column of identical arid shining days. Dawn tinted rose vapors obscure the interface as the water responds to cool air's imperious demand to give over its summer warmth. Acorns crackle with the step and leaves fly into the foyer. In single file cumulous puffs stride across the northwest sky. And one night the sounds of the clashing of the cool against stagnant hot humid air sound until dawn ... and finally the land is drenched.  A sole hummer motionless on the feeder summoning courage for his long journey reminds me of all past and a few yet to come. As the hummer, I wonder if I have taken on sufficient to sustain what may lie ahead. Have the needs for occasional reseeding and tending been obscured by summer confidence? Today a squirrel, acorn on board, scampered across my path. Only well practiced reflexes saved him from no more wonder. Though an unexpected visit by an air mass from the high north may take, drive-by fashion, the tender impatiens and curl tomato plant leaves; The deliberate progression of fall days gives us in the south much time in which to pursue dalliances before being overtaken by winter dark. The air on some days is so clear and blue, one can see details of topography into the bordering states. Yet some days it is so smoky one experiences or "feel(s) it more than see(s) it there." .... a complicated depth and texture that like a fine wine, never disappoints the anticipating palate. Home beckons. Unlike the humming birds and butterflies. I have do not ceaselessly follow summer for lack of warmth in my home. My hearth lies banked ready to leap into full radiance on call. The shelves are stocked with savory stuff to please the heart and the stomach. There will be black-eyed peas and collards for the soul and the New Year. So come home Rainebird, in from the sun. |
