The splendor of autumn

"Autumn Time"

by B.L. Bruce

With rustling rows of cornstalks,

Gay pumpkins heaped in mounds,

And Hubbard squash in hummocks,

The countryside abounds.

In garb of gold and crimson,

The forest is arrayed.

The woodland wears a mantle

Of beauty on parade.

It is a season teeming

With charm and festive cheer,

And life unfolds treasures

When autumn days are here.

Fall is in the air. Surely you have noticed, as the cool air hit on the recent weekend when temperatures were in the 60s, windows could be opened and a sweater felt good! I loved it. I'm sure that, by the time this column is printed, the warm air has returned for at least one last go-round, but anyway, that was a hint of things to come. While I do not relish the cold winter ahead, and I know what the Farmer's Almanac is saying -- that very cold temps could await us -- still the autumn brings a certain charm that we can relish in.

I am thankful to live where the four seasons abound, and after awhile in one season, one gets ready for the next one, right? Is that being fickle? I don't know, but I do know that's the way I am. So, now, after a very nice summer, one which we cannot complain about, we still can anticipate a nice fall and worry about the winter when it hits!

What are some of the things you like about fall? Well, I have mentioned the temperatures, when we can try to remember -- shouldn't that be a song? Oh, it is -- where the sweaters, sweatshirts, long-sleeved things, jackets, jeans, boots, even gloves and hats are stored so they can be pulled out for use again. In recent years, I have found myself often feeling chilled even in hot weather. It is strange, I know. I have inquired of my doctor and he gave me a wise answer: wear more layers. I admire his quickness. Others have suggested things like an occasional swig of strong stuff, but my values prevent it, although at times, I have wondered if there is something I could try without abandoning my beliefs. So I rather look forward to the sweaters and sweatshirts, and I know where mine are stored.

There are the football games that many of us love, come fall. We are watching for the Razorbacks' success and, at our house, we still watch for the Iowa Hawkeyes and some success there. The high school and junior high school teams will be fun to follow as well. I'm sorry that the new high school stadium will not be available for home football games, but in another year we can try it out. Volleyball is still a lot of fun for fall viewing and we will be watching for our local team's progress through the season. Others appreciate the fall soccer, tennis, golf, and such, but to each his own, I say so continue to support your own kids and grandkids as you are able.

My bright yellow mum plant, rounded and full, sits on our front steps to welcome visitors and friends. Then, I acquired another mum, a bronze one with spires of grass spouting up from the center to join its yellow counterpart. The yellow leaves are beginning to drift down from our sweet gum tree; they can be so pretty. Then there are, of course, the blazing red maple leaves on, or rather, off some of those beautiful trees. I hope you have some in your neighborhood, or at least some that you drive past on your way to somewhere.

One recent morning, I stepped out on my back deck for a breath of fresh air before my day really got started. As I looked around with a curious eye, I discovered signs of autumn all around: the silver lace vine was particularly lush; the marigolds were especially bright, almost neon-like; the flowering almond tree is looking bronzy; a few little blooms were showing on our crape myrtle tree beside the playhouse while there have been none coming all during spring and summer; the few peppers left in the vegetable garden continue to bear at the end of the season after Husband has cleared away the remains of the tomatoes and potato vines; the acorns have been falling from the giant oak tree hovering over our horseshoe courts; and it appears that the final apple has fallen from from our little apple tree. And hanging onto our little redbud tree are the clusters of untold numbers of seed pods, which our little grandson insisted were beans when he recently visited. We persuaded him of the truth before we threatened to prove the truth to him with a taste-test.

Surely, fall is approaching fast and we can all rejoice in it.

-- Jan Mullikin is a Siloam Springs resident and former employee of the Herald-Leader. She can be reached at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Community on 09/17/2014