Saturday, October 13, 2012

October Photo Challenge - Landscape

the neighbor's cornfield

corn harvest is a sure sign of fall

Everybody seems to have a favorite season. One season, one flavor, one smell that trumps the rest. I don't, but I can tell you the season that I do not like: the Season Without a Name, that time between late summer and early fall when summer dies.   Summer's passing is not a sudden accidental death; it’s a slow moving disease-caused death. One morning I enjoy an early morning run, stop by the garden and pick enough peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes for the day and gather the eggs on the way back to the house. That night I can stay up late-for-me because dark is a long time in coming and there is no time clock the next morning. The frogs croak when I go to bed and the birds chirp as I wake up. It’s nature’s symphony – roosters, frogs, birds, rhythmic breathing in the morning air. And then so very subtly there is a change. It’s slow at first: a few vines in the garden wilt, the trees are dusty and need a rain bath in the worst way, then a night or two later fewer frogs are croaking by the canal and the sun sets earlier. After a trip to town the diagnosis is confirmed: aisles of school supplies. They’re like surgical instruments cutting into summer. The potato chips and hamburger buns are no longer on the front aisle, either. Summer is being shelved. Mobility lessens as everyone makes plans around upcoming school schedules and routines. The children go away.

It’s a death I tell you. A slow painful death. The death of freedom and sunshine and lemonade.

But after the final cut of summer is really made – the county fair is past, school is in session, the first killer frost has come - and there is no denying that fall has taken over, the world rejuvenates. It's crisp. It's red. It's fresh. It's gold. To be sure, fall has its own concert – the geese honk overhead as they fly south, the rains patter and wash the dust away, the combines hum, and the beat of the harvesters as they dig the onions and potatoes make the whole outdoors smell like supper is on the stove. The foods are dense and rich: pumpkin muffins, apple pie, homemade french fries, caramel apples. It's a proper wake for the passing of the Season Without a Name.

What's your favorite season's smell and flavor?  

8 comments:

Ande said...

Oh I love when summer is dying. I also love your last line about fall being a wonderful wake. I agree. I do love fall.

Grace said...

I love when summer dies too. However, summer at your house is my very favorite and I wouldn't want that to end either. My worst season is winter, especially after Christmas. January and February are miserable! This year they will be good though since Abe will be home and we're going to Hawaii!

Melinda said...

I love fall. The smell of rain, watching the leaves fly around in the street as you drive. It just makes me happy. All of the beautiful fall colors.

Bryce Gines said...

Oh, Jane . . . your prose is sublime! If I did not love Autumn, your vivid descriptions would make me fall in love. I do love Autumn, but I really LOVE Spring! Each season has its own personality and things for which to be grateful. May you never have writer's block. 8-)

Alisa said...

You have put into words the exact feelings I have towards that season of in between. It makes me ache! "surgical instruments cutting into summer" is perfect!
Summer and Fall are my favorites. Transition is always hardest. Always.

Millie Motts said...

You have such an incredible way with words! That was quite possibly the best thing I've read since General Conference. Wow.

melanie said...

Beautiful imagery. I love the newness as each season starts. Even winter. But the cool crispy air and vivid trees are two reasons fall is my favorite. Great post!

Julie said...

You truly describe it so I can feel it. Amazing. I love fall for the crisp air, the leaves, the colors...but I seem to love all the other seasons as they start as well. I love having the first fire in the fireplace. The first snow. The first bulbs coming up in the spring. The first warm day. The first time we can swim because it's hot enough! I really missed summer when we lived in Iceland and Norway so it's a good thing I live where there are 4 real seasons now!