The beauty of autumn..!

Last week the temperature began to drop
and I felt a little nibble of fall.  
It was just enough to get me ready
for all the delicious, crunchy-leaved beauty
that awaits me.
I started to think about the scenes
of autumn life that I would soon enjoy.
I look around and, as if waking
from a deep sleep, suddenly realize just
how incredibly beautiful cities become
in the fall.
Everything that feels dirty, even exhausting
in the long summer months will soon transform
into something beautiful.
For just a few months, the city will again feel
like a magical place.

While autumn in the city is beautiful,
and I really enjoy the autumn colors
in the city there is nothing like taking a drive
to the country during the autumn months.
There everything seems more picturesque
with the beautiful shades of autumn
red, yellow, orange, brown and gold.  
I anticipate taking the long walks
that I love so much through the layers
of colored leaves that will soon fall to the ground.

I remember how much fun I had with my nieces
and nephews when they were little
and we ran through the leaves, picked them up
and threw them at each other.  
After playfully frolicking in the autumn leaves,
we collected those beautiful, colorful leaves
to take home and preserve by pressing
them between waxed paper. 
We marveled at our handiwork, beautiful burst
of autumn color.

Some will say the one drawback to autumn is
that all the fallen leaves have to be raked up.
That is a lot of work, especially if you have
a large yard with a few trees on it. However,
the beauty of the leaves makes the work
not so bad and you do get exercise
and lots of fresh air.
Later in the evening when the temperatures
have cooled down quite a bit,
I will enjoy making a fire and watching
the glowing embers in the fireplace.   

Throw blanket and romantic book,
I am all set to enjoy the beauty of autumn.   
Soon I will listen to the popping sounds
of the fireplace and feel so warm.  
I will sip from a cup of hot apple cider
and feel content as I think about all
of the autumn beauty to be seen.
I look forward to an October day when
to breathe the air will be like drinking wine,
and every touch of the wind against
my face will be like a  sweet caress. 
It will be a day that loves me,
a reminder of the beautiful.