I asked my oldest daughter the other day if she notices the smell of September. She said, not really. However, I do. There is a fragrance, a certain scent/smell unlike other months. I don’t know why or understand but I love this nature perfume – Eau de September! I love the atmosphere in the air along with the scent and the proclamation of the birds this time of year along with the chattering of the small critters and the final chirps of the crickets in the darkness.
Nature seems to take on human emotions as one season ends and another begins. As fall draws near, the hot humid days of summer give up their intensity and length. The sun makes it appearance later each morning and gives up its light earlier each night. Summer breezes give way to fall winds. The bees fight as cooler days drain their life forces. The harvest is near as farmers prepare to store the fruits of their labor. Children are back in school and summer vacations stored in picture albums. It is the beginning of the end of another year – a closed chapter.
While there still may be some warm days ahead – it is inevitable that the cooler days are coming. Soon the leaves will turn and fall from the trees. Flowering plants will give up their last bloom and migrating birds will begin their winter journey. There seems to be a contentment in nature – saying good-bye again to another summer – a summer unlike any previous summer – a summer than can never be again. Fall in of itself has its many beauties, adventures unlike any previous autumn – never to be repeated. Each season closes a door and opens another one. Sadness when the door is finally closed – yet anticipation of what the new opening is going to bring. Change, letting go, moving on – all have its sad and happy moments. Nature is no exception. Autumn is the year’s finale – followed by the gestation of winter and the birth of spring.
The fall season reminds me of the closing of a great play – the “grande finale.” The performances are done, the last curtain call, the final last act – a standing ovation for a job well done – the final closure of the curtain – lights out.