A Gentle Wave to Autumn
By Gabby Ceconi ('22)
With the rustling leaves on the trees and the sound of pattering feet once again trampling the halls, we can all finally welcome the dreaded end of summer with an exasperated “Hello…?!” Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why is this article reminding me of the fact that the beautiful, sweet, summer is now over?!” Well, now that summer is over, you can accept the beauty of autumn! We can only move forward, unfortunately.
Most people are quick to groan at the mention of fall, and maybe you are right now, but we always seem to forget the beauty of it all! Forget the school year starting up for one second, and think about the natural world around you. As we’re all running to our buses or cars with blazing hot coffee practically scarring our hands, we often forget the morning beauty that Autumn graces us with. The feel of the morning dew painting the grass, the smell of crisp, morning leaves dancing amongst our feet. The glimmer of the yawning sun gracing the tree branches, the small glints warming our faces and welcoming us. Autumn is often painted in such a harsh and treacherous light, it's darkness and decay are symbolic of the loss of happiness and warmth in our lives. While it may display that front, there is always a positive to the negative, and we always seem to forget the hidden messages behind fall’s approach.
To some, Autumn is a gentle giant waking up from its hibernation. Its initial approach is sleepy, calm, and warming, but as it wakes up, it starts to sharpen. Metamorphosis begins for all, including the season itself. We begin to notice the brilliant shades of amber, butterscotch, and chestnut takes hold in the trees, warming up our world as it cools down. Sweet, crisp apples begin to bloom on the branches of Macintosh trees, blessing our lives with golden fruit. In a strange way, Autumn is just like Spring, bringing change and rebirth to our lives just as it takes away.
In ourselves, we begin to see the change of maturity, entering into a belligerent and harsh winter with new beginnings and wisdom. We find our summers ending, which leaves a bittersweet feeling, but once we mature and accept this, we move on feeling as giddy as the small helicopters that spin off of the maple trees. So, when you begin to enter the fall, and you’re afraid to take that first step, remember that the natural world around you has already taken that step. Plump chipmunks and spotted fawns are cheering you on with the warming trees, the sleepy sun giving you a cozy wave as you walk on.