scratch of windswept leaves
rising on cold winter’s breath
murmuring of snow

The first snows of winter do seem to be upon us, and I find the sound of the wind, bearing with it the fallen leaves of autumn, to be invigorating, encouraging, renewing. There is hope. The land will be covered. It will sleep, rest, and wake renewed, come fourth month.

Flowers will emerge, the light will return in the spring, and there will be time for resting in the sun while the sun and gentle rains encourage the fields to bring forth crops to harvest in the autumn.

Fall and winter call for our best, for strength and purpose of action. In the spring and summer, rest.