it is that golden season

where the morning light

paints everything it touches

with a radiant glow.

life transitions and recovers from

the scorching heat of the dog days of summer

to the brisk, crisp morning air.

and while we slept

mother nature

has laid a blanket of dew

upon the ground.

it is the season for weekly sojourns North

to stand witness,

to the increments of change

with oohs and aahs

at the artistry of the landscape

trees garbed in bright reds and yellows

along the crests of the mountains

winds and rainstorms

quickening the transition

and carpeting the paths

with fallen leaves

before the forests finally

undress for their winter’s rest.