A Moment

 

If you are reading this, could you

please step outside for a moment?

I will need an accurate description

of the clouds, if you have some,

and the direction they are drifting,

if you have time to observe.

Next, could you name the leaf

that is fluttering past your face;

explain the shape of the lobes

and the pattern of its veins bulging underneath?

Also, would you identify all the birds

you are seeing and hearing,

with precise names for their colors,

and exact translations of their calls?

While you are out there,

hopefully in the quiet country,

I would like a thorough report

on the quality of light that surrounds you.

If you are still reading,

and if you have a moment,

please send your entire narrative to me,

or, if you want more time,

continue your collection of perceptions.

© 2022 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Kamloops, British Columbia

2. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan

3. Elegant Trogon ~ Patagonia State Park - Arizona

4. Santa Catalina Mountains - Arizona

American Beech View

Very soon, in Michigan, and around the midwest, my all-time favorite deciduous tree, the American Beech will be displaying its spectacular sequence of color changes. I hope you can find time to witness these changes in a woods near you. If not, these leaves are for your view:

green leaves fade into yellow 

yellow with green veins

yellow with green veins, brown edges beginning

brown with yellow veins

striking striations of yellow veins on brown

aging, yet still clinging to twigs

lingering in late autumn - a coppery sheen

Thank you for spending time with "Father Nature". Try to get outside soon, and often to discover the changes in these amazing American Beech leaves for yourself. 

Gratefully,

~ Richard Havenga ~

You may also enjoy previous posts about the American Beech:

"Holding Life" — June 1, 2012

"grandifolia" — October 18, 2012 (exactly two years ago today)


Photo Locations: Home Woods

American Beech - Fagus grandifolia