The Weight of Leaves

Everyone knows the telltale sound of leaves rustling on the ground. Kicked and piled up by small children. Many have fond memories of jumping into piles or throwing them at their friends. But the sound of leaves means something different to me. To me, it means that fall has arrived.

It’s been creeping up on us like a sinking feeling we don’t want to face. We reminisce in the beauties of the oranges and reds all while bundling up to brace the incoming cold.

The world hunches to face the cold and nature celebrates around us. It shakes its burden of leaves upon our feet and tells us it’s ours to deal with now.

Many embrace the change with open hearts and claim the simple joys of pumpkins and holidays. Others dismiss the season and claim it is only a second winter. Either way the leaves crawl their way into our home and into our hearts. Their image is one of fondness and happiness no matter your feeling on fall.

I hope to embrace this change even as I dismay over the loss of the greens and brightness that summer brings. As with fall brings change, and change is something I am ready for. If only I can shed my burdens like the trees.