My Autumn Awareness

By Paul Roberts

I hope many of you are intrigued by the 90 Days of Autumn Awareness project that we are starting this Thursday here at Grow Me a Story (for more info on it, click here).

I like the fall season for many reasons. The changing of the colors, the cooler temps, and the opportunity to comfortably wear my sweaters again are just a few reasons I enjoy this time of year. However, as Carol and I have been talking about the 90 Days project, a different way of thinking about the autumn season keeps sneaking its way into my head. Last week when I was substitute teaching for a couple of days at Kellogg Middle School, I had some experiences that caused me to ponder some more about being in the autumn of my life.

I spent time with Spring 

at the middle school today

Girls and boys blooming and bursting 

with color

Like crocuses pushing their way past 

the late spring snow

They push 

through the hallway and into 

My class, voices chirping 

to one another

Like chickadees in the trees,  

and I know with certainty

It is autumn where I live.

The blooms of 

Spring

are almost forgotten

The September vines are getting heavy 

with fruit slowly, slowly turning

their juice into the finest

Of wines

For another man’s table.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love autumn. And I intend to be a garrulous old man, full of tales for some time yet. I am so enjoying this autumn of my life, and I am sure it is going to carry with it a long, beautiful, bountiful Indian summer. 

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Can you share about an experience from one season, or each season of your life?

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