It kind of feels like Autumn is poking its head around the corner.
And here in the Southern Appalachians, the trees are beginning to submit to the increasing forces that will cause them to shed all their leaves and be naked to the world for the next half a year.
As I write, I peer up at the maple tree along the street curb. This middle-aged tree epitomizes what the other trees are all going through.
I see still the lush green of health on the tree, but now mixed in I also see some light green, oranges, peaches, salmon colors contrasted atop its dark trunk.
I can so identify with that maple. I too want to hold on to all that protects me from outside forces. I want to retreat behind my leaves, too. I cling. These leaves come from my body and they're mine!
But eventually, I can't hold on to each possession. The forces of gravity and death are too too strong. I shed myself one leaf at a time in beauty, so I can stand transparent before a Power bigger than mine.