Large buck in my garden. My presence doesn't concern him. Mutual respect. | The Autumn of Life Fallen apples on the ground. Soon to be munched by the deer Who come daily for their treat. Acorns ripen and fall to The earth beneath the oak tree For deer family to browse. Two bucks, one with a full rack, Arrive to feed with their does. Where were the bucks all summer? Busy squirrel scampers beneath, Scatters leaves and twigs about As it finds acorns to eat. Ospreys migrate, Mother and children. But father remains. Other migrant birds appear, Feed in garden for few days, Then fly off on their journey. Monarchs flutter in and out, Sip nectar from red flowers Then fly off on their long trek Gone is the heat of summer. A cool breeze refreshes. Red flowers fade and wither, But others now start to bloom. Daily life moves peacefully. Middle agers slow our pace, Relaxed, quiet, but active. Fit pattern of the season. The time of life after youth After the hustle of work. Time for reflection, for self, Before the cold and sometimes Harsh Winter of old age. -MW | Autumn In Autumn Leaves turn yellow and red, Fall to the ground, lie inert Or blow in the wind, Until rain falls and they rot Into the earth, To feed the soil. But the tree remains, Silent, bare, prepares Itself for Winter. So too, our hair Turns white or falls out, But the person remains Ready for a new chapter. Birds fly south, other animals Burrow into the Earth, Prepare for cold Winter. Some people too, fly South To bask in coastal sun. Others prepare their houses, Tune the furnace, insulate. And the rain and the snow come, But all are sheltered, Quiet, peaceful, Enjoying a lull from the Hectic Spring and Summer. Time for reflection: Read, talk, lie fireside. Bears hibernate In caves give birth, Ladybugs huddle To stay warm. Osprey mothers enjoy Solo life in the South. Quiet, peaceful time. So too, the Autumn of life, A time, not for regret, Not to envy the busy young, But for well-earned rest, For reflection, time to sit Think, remember, And dream. -MW |
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Autumn Photos from my garden
| Autumn beckons, Right around the corner. Now here. War threatens, Rolling clouds of strife Draw near. Rains begin to fall, Quiet light sprinkles, Then large plopping drops. Voices call out in the dark, Softly first, then louder, More urgent. Winter is around the corner. Raging storms, Numbing cold nights. Listen, pray, demand That Spring --and Peace-- Will come In due time. midi October 2025  Great Blue Heron Visitor in my neighbor's tree October 2025 | Osprey Life Three birds on a wire. Apart, not touching. Quiet harmony. Mother flies off on Her long journey south To spend Winter there. Fledgling has a fish, Finishes, flies off On first migration. One bird alone For the winter. Bachelor time. But then who is This other bird On the pole? Companion for Richie? This year's fledgling or last? A winter mystery for the chat. midi October 2025  Richie alone at night 8:44 pm October 20, 2025 cap by midi  Two on the pole together. Who? Nov. 9, 2025. 12:18 pm  Two ospreys on a pole. Who are they? October 11, 2025. 9:09 am. cap by dk. |