Saturday, October 8, 2016

Autumnal Dreams

The return of all things "pumpkin spice" reminds me that we've reached the cozy seasonal turning point of Autumn. But since I moved back to Texas this summer, it's the first year in several that I will not be experiencing the fullness of the season: mainly the magnificent chromatic transformation of the trees.

Eschenbach, Germany, 2012 Photo by Erik Lundmark
Now, don't get me wrong. I love Texas, and I love that we can eat our pumpkin spice Krispy Kreme donuts out on the back patio while we fire up the barbecue wearing nothing more than a t-shirt and shorts. But I fear there's something to be missed about the inherent childhood pleasure of crunching among the scattered leaves.
Nürnberg, Germany, 2012 Photo by Erik Lundmark
 Nothing quite equals the whimsy of catching a rust-colored remnant as it swirls downward from dizzying heights.

Nürnberg, Germany 2012 Photo by Erik Lundmark
 Or the eye-popping contrast one sees as each morning new trees have decided to boast in the splendor of ochre and crimson.  

Eschenbach, Germany, 2012 Photo by Erik Lundmark
The cold skies turn bluer against the fiery foreground of trembling leaves, waiting for their turn to fall.  

Netzaberg, Germany 2013 Photo by Erik Lundmark
Some clinging to their branches as if afraid of the unknown journey to forest floor. 

Netzaberg, Germany, 2013 Photo by Erik Lundmark
 But just as the leaves cannot cling forever, no amount of care can turn back the season. Once fallen, the leaves are free. 

Budapest, Hungary, 2014 Photo by Erik Lundmark
 Some linger near the tree, in company with their fellow cast-offs, perhaps hoping to rise again on the shoulders of the great.

Warsaw, Poland, 2014 Photo by Erik Lundmark
 Some are scattered and lost in the breeze or crushed by the swift-moving stream of the world.

Warsaw, Poland, 2014 Photo by Erik Lundmark
But he who finds joy in the wandering winds of life will ultimately reach his unique destiny.  

Netzaberg, Germany, 2013 Photo by Erik Lundmark



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