For centuries, the autumn season has served as a wellspring of inspiration for writers and poets, inviting us to contemplate the ever-renewing cycle of nature. As temperatures drop and leaves adorn themselves in vibrant hues before gracefully descending, and as crops are harvested, we find ourselves captivated by the profound lessons this season imparts about life’s rhythms.
Poets have long been entranced by the autumnal spectacle. Larry Levis, in “The Widening Spell of the Leaves,” chronicles the steadfast, orderly, taciturn, and oblivious transformation of leaves into golden sentinels. John Keats, in “To Autumn,” paints a vivid picture of a season draped in mists and mellow fruitfulness. Meanwhile, Marilyn Chin reminds us that “all that blooms must fall” in “Autumn Leaves.”
“I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers,” mused Anne of “Anne of Green Gables.” We echo that sentiment wholeheartedly, for October happens to be our favored month as well. It stands as the quintessential bridge between the waning days of summer and the onset of winter’s chill.
In times like these, when the ceaseless buzz of national news, wars, and political discourse threaten to overwhelm our senses, October provides a welcomed respite. We’ve temporarily turned off the relentless barrage of information to seek a reboot. And we sense that many others yearn for this interlude too. Rest assured, there will be ample opportunities to dissect politics and local happenings in the weeks to come.
For sports enthusiasts, October reigns supreme. The World Series takes center stage later this month, the NFL has already kicked off, and the NBA lights up our screens. There’s no shortage of weekend pastimes for those who relish watching their favorite teams compete.
Yet, for us, October isn’t about what we do indoors, but the world outside. Our internal clocks tick with anticipation of the impending winter months spent largely indoors. When the weather cooperates, we eagerly embrace the outdoors.
At a moment’s notice, we might summon the family to grab books and escape to our cherished secret spot in town, it could be overlooking a body of water or just our front porch. Time spent with a book instead of a digital device becomes a treasured escape.
October casts a spell on our community that’s nothing short of magical. Mother Nature, the ultimate artist, leisurely paints her masterpiece. Maples, oaks, walnuts, hickories, and more begin their metamorphosis from summer greens to winter’s slumber. The process unfurls and transforms over the next month, beckoning us to visit nature sanctuaries or traverse the various trails throughout town, where we can witness nature’s splendor firsthand.
The air itself undergoes a transformation, becoming crisper and cleaner. The lethargy of summer dissipates, and we find ourselves propelled to accomplish more outdoors. The dwindling daylight hours add urgency to our pursuits. In a different era, we might be hurriedly preparing preserves and provisions to see us through the winter.
The air, laden with autumnal aromas, seems charged with anticipation. F. Scott Fitzgerald aptly captured this sentiment in “The Great Gatsby”: “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Indeed, as we approach the year’s end, it’s only natural to contemplate the holidays and the new year ahead. However, let us not rush to November’s planning just yet; let October linger a little longer.
Anne of “Anne of Green Gables” reminds us, “it would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn’t it? Look at these maple branches. Don’t they give you a thrill – several thrills?”
Indeed, there is ample time to reconnect with the world’s happenings and stress about what lies ahead. For now, let’s immerse ourselves in October’s embrace and revel in the thrills it offers. Have one thrill, or better yet, have several thrills.
