Before the Trees Become Bare

Deep Autumn Series Vol.5

Only a few weeks ago, we noticed the first leaf beginning to change.

Now, we notice the ones that remain.

The trees that once held layers of red, orange, and gold have begun to open toward the sky.

Between the remaining leaves, branches appear more clearly than before.

Each day, a few more fall.

Some gather quietly beneath the trees.

Others move across paths and streets whenever the wind returns.

There is less color now.

But perhaps that makes each remaining leaf easier to notice.

One yellow leaf catching the afternoon light.

A small cluster of red still holding to a branch.

A single leaf moving gently against a pale November sky.

We know they will not stay much longer.

Soon, the branches will stand bare.

The last colors of autumn will disappear from the trees, and the landscape will begin to take on winter's quieter tones.

But there is no need to hurry toward the next season.

Autumn is still here today.

For months, it has changed the world around us little by little.

First came a cool breeze.

Then the sounds of early autumn.

The afternoon light changed.

Leaves began to turn.

Rain deepened their colors.

Eventually, those colors gathered beneath our feet.

And now, only a few remain above us.

Perhaps this is what the seasons quietly teach us.

We do not need to hold on to every beautiful moment for it to matter.

Sometimes, noticing it while it is still here is enough.

The trees will soon become bare.

But today, a few leaves remain.

And today is enough.

If you missed the previous article in this series, you can read The Quiet Hours of November.